I am using a loan officer right now who is not the best and says that I will need to prove I have atleast 6% (~20k) to get a preapproval letter.Is this a hard stop for preapproval or can a good loan officer make it work knowing I am getting seller credits ? 

They are just now starting to look a bit ragged, but only when compared with a brand new one.I am using the Charisma quilts from Costco.

Here's the reason I love this area, and why we relocated here when the market crashed.Southern California:Strong, broad based economyPerfect year round weatherStrong property valuesHigh demandSome of the best universities, colleges, medical facilities, sports teams, recreation, amusements, beaches, shopping, etc. available anywhereGood property appreciationVacation rentals often provide strong cash flow, and demand top rental amountsQualified renters, buyers, etc. 

I am using Equity Trust at myequity.com for my self-directed IRA accounts.

And the method I am using is the brrrr method, not any options for a fix and flip or a whole sale.

Right now, I am using the Monkey See Monkey Do method.

I am used to having zero free time thanks to academia and now that I have time to think for myself, I have discovered an entrepreneurial itch that needs to be scratched.

I am using a conventional loan at $60k to fund part of my first flip. 15% downIs Escrow required? 

Hey Calvin, I am using a Broker.I used to use one insurance company Safeco for everything under an umbrella to get discounts.

I am using it as a benchmark to show both ways of looking at real estate and not comment on the appreciation potential of an entire state.