Unless someone is looking to hire or take on interns or offer mentoring, you have slim pickins. 

That means you have less down payment.The perception from a lenders' prospective is that, if you put say $20K into a project, the likelihood of walking you away when things get tough is slim.

I'm looking to build out a slimmed down version of this program for my current needs.  

There are many areas that have prime homes to flip/sale or to hold but I have heard that due to ever increasing market pressures as well as some demographics swings like new construction and school ratings the ARV margins are slimming.

., the pickings are pretty slim these days but doable with all cash.

I'm looking for a property that meets both criteria, but it seems the chances of finding such a property are slim. 

These are good concerns, if the margins are slim I consult investors to turn the properties into a vacation rental (VRBO.com) or a corporate rental so you have get bigger returns.The properties can also be sold on Lease options or owner financing (wraparound/subject to) structures so you would not be responsible for repairs.There is always a way to turn lemons into lemonade :)

I appreciate the offer James, but I prefer to do business face to face with these team members so my first goal is to draw from my own pond and then venture out if the pickings become too slim.  

Seems like slim pickings lately!

The margin on flips is slimming, but there are certainly great deals still out there!