When you are first starting out, you should probably buffer an extra 20% on top of your renovation budget to cover incidentals while you are learning the true cost of flipping.When you do all these things (conservative estimate of ARV, additional 20% estimate on construction costs, using a conservative 0.7 multiplier in your estimate), you are unlikely to lose on your first flip (but it will be harder to find your first flip).  

He's also in Texas and can give you great guidance on how to kick off your career as an MLO.

It makes the math very tough on purchasing, at least from my perspective. 

I almost had enough music credits to add on the music minor, but did that all too late.

Your loan would be on a different property so no financing on the property you are buying. 

You will learn so much more being hands-on!

I would not discuss a claim unless you intend on filing it.  

If they don't have time to get on the phone and speak with you to explain how they work, then they will be even more difficult to get ahold of once they already have your business.

Feel free to reach out with any questions and I can give you a few scenarios on what your options will be. 

any suggestions about courses/mentors/coaches on this topic?