And to be a bird dog first.Why is this?

Most of mine are referrals from current bird dogs.

Like to start out bird dogging to get some capital and knowledge, then maybe start rehabbing and flipping.

We are cash buyers and are looking for bird dogs to expand into central new jersey.Please email if you're interested.Ernie P.S.

I would watch it and if it doesn't pan out and the seller folds, bird-dog it to a buyer.      

Hello BP,I was encouraged to get my financing in place prior to submitting any offers on potential deals prior to submitting offers considering most Realtors/Sellers won't submit/accept offers from investors/buyers that don't already have financing in place (or a pre-approval letter from the financing source) accompanying the offer.

I am also looking at some California properties in Imperial County for "snow bird" construction.

Quote from @Rob Bird: In the case of smaller properties that have lax or no financials, what approach to lenders take to underwriting/valuation? 

Apparently they will not accompany unless we are at that point with an eviction. 

But, I am challenging the viability of the calculators as learning tools - I think there should be accompanying "manuals" which dissect the perspective on the numbers.