customized dual pane vinyl windows.

Anyhow, I've been doing alot of reading here on BP over the last few weeks to get "back in the game" and here are some questions I have about moving forward: Should I get pre-qualified/approved first before trying to make offers?

I hate that game.

Unless you have a note on your account of some kind, or you are tight with your bank, most banks won't allow non-customers to deposit checks to accounts they aren't on.I think your renter is doing this because they don't have the money before that date.

I’m sure the rehab process varies from house to house, but in general do flippers try to stick to the same game plan?

Commissions and other fees (admin fees, processing fees, consulting fees, etc) can be, and usually are, from customer to broker. 

I have had one guy contact me through Zillow and ask what the number was for Zillow's customer service.

I think if you just continue what you are doing and browse forums, listen to podcasts, and look over some of the deals analysis done on the forums, you will get the knack for putting properties through the ringer to see if the numbers work.And if you are a numbers guy....you are already WAY ahead of the game here.  10 years is a great goal! 

The name of the game here is capital appreciation.That brings me to the No part of the answer.

I picked up about 20 units the other winter back, and burned through $200,000 in repairs quicker than you could write a check, and I have my own rehab crews that work full-time at this game.