Very informative and discuss a wide variety of strategies.

TExas in my experience is pretty wide open for all kinds of easy flipping type stuff .. you can tye property up with 100 dollar options then flip them.. and I think its perfectly kosher to do so... could not do that in many other states.. but as stated above first thing you do is check with our state governing RE agency for the definition of licensing.

The home is a pretty run down double wide that would be vacant if it weren't for the raccoons that moved in.

Make about a foot wide trench and dont dig below pipe bed so it settles and drops, dips,  and sways under pressure. 

I am, however, feeling overwhelmed by the many widely varying opinions on the best way for a newbie to start, especially on a part time basis while working a full time job (sometimes >60 hrs/week).

Since you said you're talking to "the agent", I assume it is listed, or at least widely exposed.

The other reason was, frankly, we were making it up as we went.In an effort to cast as wide a net, make as many contacts, and capture as much business as possible, we were not 100% clear who we loan to, why, and under what criteria.

I can keep widening my "Matrix" as wide as I want though4 - Cash Out from the three refi's allows me (in 2-4 repeats of each) to add at least another line.  

This way they will shop your loan across a wide range of investors and get the best option for your specific situation.

I'm finishing up a hold and the closet for the washer/dryer is a bit small- the space I'm working with is about 29.5" wide and 27.5" deep.