I need to get with @Joshua Dorkin on this too, obviously I'm a BP addict and have no intention of competing with BP, I'll always be around.Well, some good advice, start with the basics of real estate.LOL, coaching and mentoring offers from experts that don't even have to shave everyday! 

CREAM (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)

It's just not worth the risk to shave a few bucks off the rehab. 

ice cream, and then you see him sneaking a 2nd Fatboy out of the freezer.

My broker/s (have one in each of my markets) help keep me in the loop on good opportunities and referrals that I wouldn't have otherwise.

Don't take their word for it, they don't get creamed, ask a finance attorney if you can be a straw man acting as a principal using other people's money.......you'll get a different answer. 

3/1's have lower resale value generally.

When you mentioned there are plenty of investors with financing lined up is that a product of the investor(s) having an already established relationship with banks/financiers who are giving them a green light based on prior deals?  

I really don't want a cease and desist letter just when I'm cranking.My friend is getting creamed right now by BRE and it's not fun.

Remember you can't fit a round peg in a square hole without shaving the peg.