I'll echo @Micheal Briscoe and mention that getting your own deals is the secret sauce.

We do virtual investing even in our own city (it is virtual because we don't see the properties that we are buying and selling.)The "secret sauce" to flipping virtually is to have trusted boots on the ground, mainly a project manager.

Often investors unfortunately get “lost in the sauce” as we are naturally trying to find a deal which in turn means lower priced homes...which in turn means realtors spend their time elsewhere!

@Dyllon Gibbs you've touched upon the "secret sauce" that note investors protect.

Looking back at my start, I wasted probably 3 years searching for the secret sauce, the magic decoder ring, the latest shiny object. 

Picking a market and location is the secret sauce.

Starting young is key, but doing so with a purpose and staying focused is the magic sauce. 

They must have had tomato sauce and red wine sitting in the sink for long periods.

One user saying send me a message and I'll send you magic sauce. 

These materials are our "secret sauce" so ill DC it to you.Networking- Building your network and surrounding yourself around like-minded investors is very important.