SE Michigan is well represented here.

Any DC investors find this problem in parts of NE and SE/SW?

The majority simply had very poor credit & other 'issues' that rendered them poor candidates for any form of conventional financing per se.

Hi Helen,Not sure of a BP type network for stocks per se, but I there are some interesting reader generated articles and discussion (in the comments section) of sites like Seeking Alpha, and the one you mention (Motley Fool).A few investing books I like (from the states) are those by Peter Lynch (One Up On Wall Street, etc) (pretty simple gateway book)..

Since the intent is to flip, you will, more likely than not, be required to report the transaction on Schedule C subjecting your income to your ordinary tax rates plus both halves of SE taxes. 

3) is it possible for her to not be my tenant per se.  

Hello,I'm looking for advice on where are good places to start searching for properties in SE Michigan.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8314-SE-Raymond-Ct-Portland-OR-97266/53906919_zpid/

I would recommend looking in SE Seminole Heights or West Tampa.

Tax pros will know what the exact taxes will be (federal, state and SE)  better than I, but 35% should be close.