I just read Scott's Slow Flip book.....(1) Is it still feasible to buy houses for $30,000 -  $40,000 in this market?

@Don Konipol  Don talk about a book on this subject by I think its Jimmy Napier which was written years ago But Don says its the bible I personally have not read it As I got my education working for a HML in Oakland CA and got on the job training as it where .He was a legend and I was very fortunate to find my way to his company and then eventually end up running it.

I know I’ve read people say we don’t need to pay for help but it’s a bit intimidating trying to filter through all the real estate information.  

To be honest no one we showed the house to seemed to care. wow 8k for a waterline.. 

I read on JP Morgan Chase's site that they could do the same, but I just haven't spoken to them yet to confirm.

Although I care less about my financial loss, what upsets me is their manipulative conducts.

For instance, someone making $500k a year and living in a very highly appreciating market might be extremely happy on a deal that loses $200 a month but is getting 5% appreciation on a 2 million dollar property in San Diego, butut that doesn't make sense for the investor with 30k and a lower paying job.When it comes to the book series I agree with you that the order doesn't make sense (having read both).

If you care to elaborate on your comment "trusts don't provide asset protection", I'm all ears and I mean that sincerely, I'm always ready to learn more.

What I hear from a lot of potential investors is that I just want a property that hits all the numbers I've read about in a book or heard about in a seminar.

I think the HELOC is the way to go if you can - However after reading your post, if you are talking about a 6 figure pay day, how long would the property take to generate that 6 figures in cash flow?