With this being said staging a house poorly will also not have a desirable effect your looking to achieve.  

I have shadowed a local investor in looking for rehab properties, participated in auctions by the court steps, getting my hands dirty renovating the properties, staging for open houses, hosting open house, and signing loan docs (i'm a notary).

Now that I am past that stage in life I still own the duplex and it cash flows handsomely however I no longer rent it by the bed.I would recommend going to school for something that is in demand in the job market even if it is not what you want to do with your life (nursing, dentist, engineering).  

Does anyone have a book or website that they would recommend for home-staging? 

Not to mention that some lenders just look at you funny when you mention doing this.It's a great product and a great way to build up a portfolio in the beginning stages.

I would like to do a quick flip to other investors (local, out-of-state, overseas) looking to do a rehab and hold/flip...while learning that part of the business, and evolving to that stage later on.The wholesale idea seems great, but I am struggling to understand why I don't find as much information about auction purchases.Barry - In-state for now...I may venture out-of-state once I get more comfortable.Levi - That is great news and congratulations!

BOard up all windows and use metal security doors.. while in the rehab stage and especially if there is mechanicals in the house that are new.

I am trying to set the stage for myself in the next few years of my life I appreciate any networking possibilities and starting advice that can be offered. 

I am in the final stages of getting the mortgage approved in on Bank and another bank offer me a mortgage but at 8,5% plus annual fees landing the mortgage at over 10%pa.Does anyone have alternative ideas on how I can get finance for my projects and get my business going?

Thank you for the compliment @Joe Fernandez . 3 years ago I would have said someone with 10 properties has past the "beginner" stage.