However in your case, since you would be forced to live in the property for a year it makes sense for you to take on more of the rehabbing (if you have the skill set to do it).Biggest issue I have with doing work myself is that it doesn’t allow for scalability.

In general, if you are looking at this as a scalable business over time, at some point you really need to figure in a cost for this so if nothing else, this doesn't become your 9-5 'job'.  

In summary, its not for everyone: much more complicated than many RE transactions but more scalable tooPaul

Some realize wholesaling is much more scalable than buy and hold or flipping and take it to an institutional level; Networth, New Western, etc. 2nd question: this is irrelevant, never trust a wholesaler for anything other than the address.

It may be a steeper learning curve, but definitely scalable if local deals are hard to come by.

That having been said it’s an absolute must for scalability.  

A long list of buyers and a scalable process for identifying sellers is one of the most profitable things you can have in this business.

Also, that method of purchasing properties isn’t scalable for me.

It appears to be the best way to get started with little or no money, most scalable, and it wins for my investors every bit as much if not more than it does for me!

It appears to be the best way to get started with little or no money, most scalable, and it wins for my investors every bit as much if not more than it does for me!