Even if we did stay here, properties are so expensive that it seems hard to get them to cash flow at all, which is the name of the game in buy and hold, right?

@Blake BroseI would somehow figure out a way to not use the term Turnkey...I think most investors that are not new to the REI game have now figured out that this option really does not make sense. 

If you want to get complicated use key code locks and delete his code when you establish the issue is him.

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.

Better yet, establish a mgt entity or at least a dba and get this stuff out of your personal name.

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

It's because those at the top are taking up the majority of the mind share (analogous to market share for any business) and although these agents might be on Zillow too, they've already established themselves through the methods mentioned above.

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.