I actually recommend house hacking as a first step if possible. 

Owners have been turning theirs into LTRs.  

Real estate loans to owner occupied properties where the business of the owner is closed down - or SHOULD be, and the owner needs some time to sell the property.  

Generally speaking when you find more owner occupied properties and less rentals you're in C+/B class.

What are the best areas in Birmingham to flip properties?

I am doing owner builder so hiring subs for each job.

Owners and tenants.

The tenant was paying rent to the previous owner but hasn't been paying rent for a while since the property was foreclosed and sold to the bank.

A new owner would get to be a part of that vote.  

Owner/Occupants want function and style.Investors perhaps more numbers focused...probably want numbers to work day 1.Owner/Occupants....they'll stretch to make the numbers work....what can we cut to make our dream home work for us.Personally I don't think either thinks about exit strategies too much or maybe even not enough.I would say Owner/Occupants way way more focused on cosmetics and less about maintenance.