This isnt the environment to go full risk-on in your first deal.

Now, you need to figure out how to find deals and pay for them.

-Explore builder-financing programs, private lenders, or hard money lenders who may focus more on the deal itself rather than personal experience.If you can demonstrate successful project management and a solid business plan, funding will become easier over time.

And private financing can be wise if you are a diligent investor, which it seems like you are:)*If I would have known then what I know now, I would have used my first loan to land the largest deal that I could have. 

It's pretty much conjecture regarding how the deal could have gone.  

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

I have found some deal and crunched the numbers that seem alright.Pros/ cons.

Here in the Myrtle Beach area there are plenty of deals that will cash flow with a 25% down payment.

Buy: $284,900Rehab: $115,000Holding: $16,500 Points: $3,413 Selling fee: $30,000Insurance hold: $2,000-$2,500 (maybe get back $1,000-$1500 if you close quick)Other title/escrow purchase: $2,500ARV: $500,000Profit: $46,587 (9.25% approx) I would do the deal, especially if you get that gap for rehab closed 3-4 months and tighten up the rehab costs too ($100,000)   

easy to build, rent, refinance repeat. might not be your market. look at the underwriting model. we underwrite every deal not only with fresh comparable but market economics change. land costs go up or down, construction costs go up or down, design modifications improve the property, comp sets can get more favorable or less favorable.