I still remain interested in fix and flipping, but my ultimate goal is more rooted in long-term buy and holds, likely via small multi family units.  

What they learned and how they prevent them from happening again.

But if you do hire, we will do a better job and prevent errors.

Somehow I had never heard of this before and kind of stumbled on the info while talking to my lender how some of the flips I'm doing (thank god I did too).The flip rule prevents flippers from selling their projects for a profit for the first 90 days, beginning from the day the deed is recorded.  

Prevents you from ever having to file personal bankruptcy in such a case. 

@Brett Allen First take any and all actions necessary to protect your property and prevent further damage.

Will you still have some bad apples, sure, but it will help prevent them.

If you don't know what you'd like 5 years out then people are going to be proposing a lot of possibilities that won't have ground to take root in.The fact also stands that, without W-2 income, financing can be very hard without a lot of cash or a proven track record in real estate.

Taking action mitigates fear, and fear can prevent you from taking action.

Are there rules around taking out a home equity loan on a rental property that would prevent this?