Being able to follow directions (or not) is one of my screening out factors....those that can follow directions and know how to 'work' the internet by responding to emails in a timely manner get bonus points.Do NOT depend just on credit score.  

But I want to learn and get started on a path that leads to a secure stream of income that will be self sustaining.

to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.). to carry out the terms of (a will). to transact or carry through (a contract, mortgage, etc.) in the manner prescribed by law; complete and give validity to (a legal instrument) by fulfilling the legal requirements, as by signing or sealing."

The best way to get access to great real estate deals is by sending out a sustained direct mail campaign to owners who really want or need to sell their property.  

I'm looking to connect with someone locally who is involved with deals structured in this manner or possibly something similar.

A flipper buys a property with the intention of renovating the property in some manner and then selling for a profit.  

Tough to find houses, even distressed, that can be purchased at a deep enough discount to fix and flip for a decent profit and then the value of the properties have been rising so fast that it's tough to imagine the rate being sustainable to justify an appreciation play.

You need to maintain the higher moral ground so that you can show good faith when it does go to court, so always make repairs in a timely manner.

From my end, I've seen listing agents who are ultimately to blame for the speed of the processing and getting everything through within an expedient manner.  

It sustained water damage from a broken pipe in the kitchen last winter.