Comparatively, a duplex anywhere near Sydney is around $1,000,000 and rents for around $4,000 per month — no possible way to cash flow so you’d be gambling on appreciation.

I am in full agreement that a positive cash flow is a very important goal, due to the fact it insulates you from gambling on appreciation, equity, and rent increases. 

I took the gamble that possible mold remediation in the basement and structural deficiences wouldn't be a greater than $75k issue. 

I can only assume its located in a rapidly appreciating market where investors are willing to suck it up for a couple of years and let price appreciation do the hard work for them (always a risky gamble in any market).

It basically says "Notice: We have an uncontrollable cockroach infestation.

@Jane A.Stock market is more like gambling on hoping that your stock improves in my opinion.

This method  can be no better than gambling, no thanks.

If you can’t see it - it’s a gamble plain and simple.

It is a gamble, especially if you are out of state.

These aren't issues that are specific to flipping and should be a primary focus for any real estate investment - The bottom line is that you made a profit despite the challenges you faced - and congratulations for that - but it seems to the bystander that you gambled with another investor's money while investing very little of your own - you put yourself in the position of a teacher or mentor when in fact you are not extremely experienced in the business of flipping - consider how you would feel if you lost a portion of your partner's investment....Today I am closing on the purchase of my 15th flip for the year, and I wouldn't dream of taking on an investment partner who wasn't equally experienced and had an equal say in the decision process.Good Luck with your future projects and Happy Investingjeff