But even in multifamily most markets are trading around 2001-2003 levels.

There really is no simple answer only because both are of very different nature.You would have to ask yourself some of the following question:What are my Ultimate GoalsWhat are my TalentsWhen it comes to Wholesaling, are you good at tracking leads down are you good with communication with people.When it comes to Flipping, are you a good scheduler and are can you coordinate subcontractors or trades people.Make a list of Pro's and Con's, Interview a couple of each (Wholesalers, Flipper's)and then make a decision to what best suits you personalities.Cheers.

Can you buy and trade real estate online and not lose your shirt?

i wasnt a BPer 2 months ago when i was having yard estate sales to clear out all the junk the estate had left on the property but anyways, long story short, i held a couple yard sales.on the 2nd consecutive weekend a browser asked me if i had a permit and i explained how i had just closed on the property and the estate/sellers had left junk behind so i thought what better an oppotunity to see if one's mans trash is another's treasure and so was just holding weekend yard sales till most the stuff is gone and was told i still need a permit so i contacted BOE who said to register online for a temp reseller permit# and i did and then the online system flagged my SSN. i called BOE and they gave me the # to my local BOE field office where i consequently called in and was told to fax my SSN card so i did then they called to say the number field on my ssn card is blank (obviously it is not) so i asked them what do they want, me to expand the image in the fax so i did make an enlargement photocopy and faxed that then they called back to say theres a known problem with their fax machine that is cutting off enlarged images so i actually have to go in person to BOE and show them my SSN card. when i went into the BOE there was a long line (picture DMV!)

We could partner on deals, I could work in your business, trade knowledge of other topics, or some other professional barter form.

If I were the business owner, I'm not sure I'd care because selling/trading stuff *thru marketplace* isn't critical to BP success.   

The seller releases the sold property and retains a collateral interest in the other rentals that will amount to say an 75/80% Combined loan to value to secure his loan at that settlementAfter that settlement, the seller can trade his collateral from your other properties and consolidate the collateral back to the property he sold as a second mortgage behind the bank.You got 100% financing accomplished without going to jail and misleading the bank.The seller's equity is always secured.

I really wanted to be able to live in one to take advantage of lower entry reqts and trade rent for building equity.  

Do you want to hold the property indefinitely or trade up to more hands off assets down the road??

Make sure the company ONLY does PM work.In residential there are at times a lot of brokers / agents that try to be a jack of all trades.