Hedge funds are very good at the stock market with speed trading.

It's not uncommon for investors to have penalty clauses the same way they have bonus ones.Also big box retailers are not necessarily the best place to get your materials and especially labor.They can definitely be good for some things but I wouldn't rely on them as a "one stop shop" kinda deal.I'd look for more local supply stores and subs/trades that can install without the big box mark up.

Getting your license is only a part of the costs you incur with a license, there are costs for: Brokerage fees,E&O insurance, Trade organization fees and Marketing to name a few.

I do agree with the overall consensus that you need to learn your trade a bit more before you buy any houses or put any houses under contract.

There is a shortage.Home owners are remodeling vs selling and trading up because there is nothing for them to buy.A lot of data points to Denver staying strong.

Tacoma multifamily is trading around a 5 Cap.If you find anything 7 or 8 Cap with only minimal rehab or lost to lease I think it would be a fantastic deal and if you don't want it send it to me! 

You might also try someone like TD Ameritrade or Schwab which is really an investment account to trade stocks, but they typically offer some banking services as well. 

I suggest you visit the local reia’s and network with people in the wholesale trade.  

Keep in mind that the money that you contribute to your Roth IRA does not have to be invested in publicly traded securities;  it can buy real estate and still keep it's tax benefits.

The advantage to your strategy is that one could argue that in five years the majority of the reconstruction will be behind us and theoretically there could be more trade labor available at that time.