I agree with everyone above, there are plenty of ways to find "good" deals but none is necessarily easy.

There are plenty of things to think about.

Experienced Realtors should have plenty of lenders they have used in the past and can recommend those that can help your situation best.

(Though in retrospect I'm not sure why I panicked because we had plenty of cash from the sale and savings; I think it was the general fear of unknown and unplanned).I agree with what everyone else has already stated:  continue to learn and to network locally. 

Given the nature of today's market, seller's have the upper hand and plentiful of offers to choose from.

I am more comfortable with this since I've done it a few times, but by no means immune to mistakes or misjudgment that can/have cost me money.Getting a good team on the ground is important and I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses with the 'big 4'  etc, but, yes depends on your risk.

There has always been plenty of projects to choose from with very little competition.

I would be curious to hear how others succeed in such circumstances as I know there are plenty of STRs around.

And then invite her over for a nice home cooked Dinner with all the trimmings.Even if she says no--just because she is your Mom.And get her a nice little gift--all wrapped up--maybe some perfume--she would like that.Then maybe you can sit and watch a movie together--she would probably like that too.And I know she doesn't come over to your house enough, because if she did--you would not have to ask this on a forum.Just My 2 cents.

Depending on where you live plenty of trails, mountains, nightlife down south.