As a broker myself the best thing to do in an initial conversation or message is express that you have a serious intent to buy and within what timeframe.

I think in Alabama there isn't a time frame.  

If you are worried about terms I'm more concerned about your time frame to do a flip. 

I decided to do it for the relatively quick timeframe it provides all the analysis knowledge and tools.

You could probably do 1-2 flips during this timeframe and net a much better return than selling a few houses and making a 3% commission as a realtor. 

On paper, he would be able to make $50,000-$100,000 annually on increase in value of the property he had debt on. in that timeframe, the amount he was making on paper was significantly higher than what people were making on annual salary.With that thought in mind, I would lean towards the content of leverage is King.

They are very inexpensive.

I'm looking to house hack a duplex (or larger) with a purchase time frame of this fall (October-November 2018).Thanks

Time frames for rent ready?

I purchased a 4-flat with cash (foreclosure/short sale/auction/etc.)  8 months have gone by and in that time frame I've rehabbed the building with my own funds.