I am planning on doing a flip or a build in Phoenix in the next one to two years.

The last two times I was selling a house random local realtors reached out asking if they could host open houses.

Still green, but thinking a good niche would be housing close to universities and colleges.My long-term goals in Real Estate are to eventually get in to commercial properties such as apartment complexes and office buildings.For the past two years I have been educating myself on Real Estate investment.

$1,500-$1,600 is about the going rate for a 2/2 in most average areas of BR, but I can see where some neighborhoods would get more.Another thing to think about - if the property is sitting vacant right now and you have ready and willing (and qualified) tenants, then the opportunity cost of waiting an extra month or two is $1,550/month.

Based on what my real estate agent thinks that this quote will be, roughly, and the after repair value, it looks like I could buy this property in cash, spend a month or two fixing the damage, and then put a mortgage for roughly 1.6x what I paid for it and thus have a cash flowing property at a few hundred dollars per month and a little more money in my bank account ready for a down payment on the next deal.

If you want to take the guest to small claims court, a judge is going to want to see an agreement between you two, not between Vrbo and the guest. 

Quote from @Collin Hays: This is zoned commercial, so I could do pretty much anything I wanted with it except a casino.ouIsn't the Texas legislature considering casino gaming this session? 

The Farmer and the Seeds"Imagine two farmers," James began.

Based on your advice to newer investors, should I play the long term game by paying off my house early (2030)?

Depending on the market, A game room can give you a similar ROI with much less liability.