I'm spending every free second studying all I can, but I am struggling with the above.Ellie Tamari

Study the flips and see what changes in each flips seems to bring a premium.  

You get to study and learn both on the ground and in a book--so it is a unique opportunity to gain experience fast....Best of luck.

I have been studying real estate investing and my market for almost a year now and im very excited to make my first move.

The lifestyle gives us the opportunity to study real estate and enjoy our 7 month old. 

I am now studying for my RE license, and I can tell you I am not even licensed yet and it is opening up doors.Also, use every part of this site to learn about the business, learn the lingo and study your local market.  

The engineer would likely have to perform soil studies (soil borings) to determine the actual strength of the subsurface and from there the thicknesses of asphalt layer, aggregate base course, OR other base courses that may be required.

@Linda Weygant Yeah, I remember studying that in the ethics section.

I have great credit (over 750), and my mom is willing to manage the properties for free (she has an AS in business administration [studied real estate, but didn't make it due to personal issues at the time]), her fiance works as a general contractor and is willing to help fix up any homes for low pay/free on weekends or small cuts if flipping.

You're taking his opinion on an interpretation from 3 years ago, when the regs were brand new and using it as overriding 3 tax professionals who utilize and study this and do taxes in this field every day and have for the past 3 years.