Now all I have left to do is to start finding good fix and flip properties, which appears to be very competitive and one of the hardest parts of this business.I'm really interested in connecting with other investors/rehabbers/actual wholesalers in Central Connecticut to talk with and work with. 

Ben, the MN market is very competitive right now.

According to a guy, Lance Edwards, says you can get your start in small apartments without any experience and have less competition.  

:-pAnyway I've been looking to house hack either a multi family or a SFR with an in law (live in the in law) but everything is so expensive that even saving up the 3.5% would take me forever and I unfortunately currently don't have anyone I could ask for it.My idea is to somehow find an off market deal (less competition) that needs a bit of work.

However this is typical of what your competition will pay for a fixer upper. 

The real estate industry is very competitive and EXTREMELY expensive with  large overheads and you will need to spend a lot of money on marketing if you want to build it into a successful career.

You have to look at:#1 your competition in the surrounding block area (like 10 block radius).

We have several good connections in the Knoxville area for subcontractors but feel we might use a GC for the first flip if they can be competitive.

And if so: it's called competition. ;-)

One key advantage I could see in a new neighborhood is simply the free exposure of buyers interested in the new subdivision especially if you can offer better finish or a more appealing design than the competition if it's all fairly cookie-cutter.