Money?

If you just want to build your cash reserves then flipping is the way but just be careful - that too takes a lot of work and research to make sure you don’t lose money.  

That's before you pay any debt service.To answer your question: No, it's generally not a good idea to lose a bunch of money every month.

This would be my first real estate investment, making the decision even more critical.I understand that backing out would mean losing the $2,000 earnest deposit.

I was on BP Money Episode 325:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-325For some reason the signatures in the Forum seem to assign random podcast numbers to past guests, I’ve noticed this with other people as well.

It seems not the best way to spend money.

If you don't want to manage the property at all, you are losing money on the management when small scale management is not hard at all with a little help.

These are some of the most successful people; CEO’s, tycoons, celebs, old and new money and investors on the planet.

Reading thru Vail Resorts annual report the other day and looks like they loose money. 

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?