I buy most of my materials from Home Depot- because they are everywhere and the prices aren't bad.

If you're not working with a local agent to help you screen tenants...I would say the best way to get as many eyes on the property is create marketing material - add to local FB groups and host 2 consecutive open house weekends showing a model unit and amenities.If you're close to any University Campuses - I would also suggest to partner with the university for housing opportunities for upperclass students.Good luck with filling those up!

With that said, does anyone have any additional tips on how to cut costs on materials when flipping? 

and be careful putting this out on the internet.. someone turns you in you have no defense as you just admitted to it

Always nice when you can save on materials.  

It is really helpful to receive books and system referrals because you can waste a lot of time reading mediocre material.

And so while this is all personal opinion of some random person on the internet (me), in reality there is not really a financial ROI in doing more than is needed, and unfortunately doing things well.  

- all you would do is "manage the manager", which you could do from anywhere you have internet access.

Any deviation from in-kind materials will need to be approved by the historic commission.

I find as much info as I can on internet searches.