I see plenty of future growth in these parts, and am eager to buy an old 2-flat or 3-flat (what the rest of the country calls a 2 or 3-plex).Everywhere I go in this neighborhood I see new condos springing up like concrete weeds, including several gargantuan buildings by the California train stop in an area that's mostly SFRs and small multis.My question is this: Is the influx of new construction a great sign for the rising prospects of the neighborhood or is it just creating competition for older buildings and rents?  

There is a massive amount of other things that I have in mind that are all connected to this real estate investing adventure, but for now I need a flow of income to get the first steps started.

I have no idea and I'm looking everywhere online now...Does anyone have a concrete answer whether I can roll some closing costs into my FHA 203k rehab loan?

We do mobile home parks so we typically are not looking for one person to do a general inspection but we hire a plumber to come out check water/sewer/gas lines for a professional opinion , same with electric , or if there is roads that look kind of questionable, we will ask a paving /concrete contractor to look at it.  

Well come to find out we need to cut back the concrete 3 feet from our property line to be up to code.

honestly, your questions indicate you are NOT ready yet. you gotta read more. there are some really basic things you are not getting. also, it sounds like you don't have much money.flipping is...hard. even when property values aren't so massively appreciated like they are now. so much has to go right. you need to know your market very intimately, know your costs to a tee, and have plenty of time to coordinate trades.when people like yourself show interest in flipping in this area, it makes me worried that we are in a bubble....only difference from last time is that you very likely can't GET financing now.

Maybe 5 or so units/places of business, a 1 story concrete block structure, should make maintenance cheaper and easier.  

I have identified a home here in Anchorage I want in need of massive remodel, and I would like to try and use your strategy with them (but slightly modified: I would pay them off in a lump sum after the remodel work is done and I can get conventional financing). 

We come to the all-knowing massively experienced forum members for their help and guidance once again!

On a typical project, here are the contractors I'll probably use:- Demo- Roofer- Painter- Carpenter- Plumber- Electrician- HVAC- Window Company- Tile Guy- Carpet Guy- Hardwood Guy- Cabinets/Countertops Company- Termite Inspection- Landscaping- Garage Door Company- House CleanerIn addition, on many projects I'll also use:- Drywall Guys- Insulation- Surveyor- Structural Engineer- Inspectors- Concrete Company- Driveway/Paving Company- Grading- Tree Trimming- Shower Glass CompanyFor big projects, new construction:- Architect- Civil Engineer- Foundation- Asbestos Removal- Sediment Control- Excavation, Dirt Hauling- Interior Sprinklers- Stone WorkEach of those contractors will typically get between 1-4 draws, depending on the scope of the work they have for the project.Then there are materials and other non-labor costs:- Permits (0-3 transactions per project)- Porta Pottys (0-3 transactions per project)- Home Depot Materials (3-5 transactions per project)- Dumpsters (1-3 transactions per project)- Paint Purchase- Cabinets/Countertops Purchase (2-4 transactions per project)- Flooring Material Purchase (1-2 transactions per project)- Specialty Material Suppliers (0-10 transactions per project)- Utility/Service Installation (0-5 transactions per project)- Private Inspections (0-5 transactions per project)- Insulation/Airtightness Tests- AppliancesOn top of that, I will potentially write several checks to:- Title Company- Property Inspector- Appraiser- General Contractor or Project Manager- Interest Payments- Utility Payments- Tax PaymentsOn top of that, I have my general business expenses:- Accounting- Legal- Interest Payments- Tax Payments- Brokerage Fees- E&O Fees- MLS Fees- Overhead/Office (Supplies, Equipment, Subscriptions, Software, etc)- Telephone/Fax/Internet- Income from Property SalesAll of these easily add up to a couple hundred transactions on a large project or new build, meaning many dozen per month.