@Jack PasmoreUtilize cash for keys when possible.

I want to learn as much as possible about such topics.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

_______________________________________________________________________________Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

To be considered an investor (and possibly get long-term capital gains rates), you’d need to hold the property for over a year as a rental or investment, not actively flip it.Check out the IRS guide on rental real estate and capital gains for more details: IRS Rental Property Tax Guide.You might want to talk to a CPA who specializes in real estate to see if there are any strategies that work for your situation.Good luck on your flip!

If possible, buy something different.

"How could you possibly know that?"

I feel this will be possible somewhere between my mid to late 40’s.

If you go fully custom, it will be higher.As for using land as collateral for a construction loan, it’s definitely possible, but lenders usually want to see a decent percentage of equity in the land.

I'm always looking to add more and more just to possibly make it more comfortable to prompt great ratings.