Then, gradually, as I got more deals under my belt, I had built up my own track record.

I have one flip under my belt and looking to put my profits to work.

For borrowers, as long as you have one fix and flip under your belt, we can lend to you.  

I wouldn't rely on information here as we haven't seen your building nor understand your bigger goals but this is not something I ever recommend my clients to do....even if they have a few deals under their belt.

I love using GCs I have maybe 4 under my belt.

And although some companies like ours will lend to inexperienced flippers, it does help the terms if it's someone that has some experience, because the person is perceived as less risky once they have a few projects under their belt. 

Give it time and get some more units under your belt.

We have 1 single family rental under our belt.  

Once you get a few deals under your belt it will be much easier to build relationships with cash buyers. 

@Eli Joffe the most general but applicable advice in your situation is to start focusing on high cash-flow properties with low equity growth potential in the beginning in order to have the cash to boot strap.Once you have a few properties under your belt, then start phasing in nicer homes which tend to be lower cash-flow with higher equity growth potentialThe former helps you boot-strap using more labor and the latter helps build wealth more passively and with less tenant struggles.