I've already used to to rehab a couple rentals and then did a cash out refinance and paid off the heloc.  

If you would like to to go over in more detail how this loan works I'm happy to connect. 

Has anyone used this method to to sell the house at profit? 

No, I don't know how long it will take, but I will do whatever I need to to make it happen within a year.  

Come out to the local meetups and see what other folks are up to.

Your only chance there is to speak to the owner directly to see if they can assign the mortgage or you can take over subject-to to avoid them getting the foreclosure on their record for 10 years. or just send a check to the bank for the balance due, I'm sure they wont mind this at all lol

For flipping properties, it is best to to be taxed as an S Corp.

A commercial lender should allow it, leaving you with only 15% to put down.Our experience has been that the "elderly landlords" tend to be more willing to to a vendor carry (partial or full).

But time and  experience has changed my mind.I am a real estate broker, when new investors ask me that questions, I say "yes", You can never have too much knowledge.As an agent working for a company (keep in mind you don't want to act as an agent), you want to learn the culture, how agents think, what they do and talk about.Don't display how smart you are and how much money you want to make investing in real estate, just listen, go along to get alone.Yes you will have an opportunity to to access the MLS, that's a good thing.Do this with MLS:program MLS to follow listings in neighborhoods you are interested insearch for commercial properties, active and expiredkeep track of expired listing in the systemmake offers on expired listingsdon't try to compete with agents in the office for listings or sales -- REMEMBER you are an investor, do not work for pennies!

It is worth looking in to to see what you'd qualify for on a multifamily property where you can house hack by renting out one of the units and even renting the other room(s) in the unit you will be occupying.Since you are opening on distance within san diego going north county such as escondido and fallbrook then beyond that you'd be going to Riverside county...Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, etc