Wages are not growing and when interest rates rates come back, people won't be able to afford to buy a house with a bigger payment.

Since around 2010, and growing each year, more and more come due and since underwriting guidelines have become more strict, compiled with mismanagement and value reductions, the borrowers would need to come to the table with lots of cash to refit into a new loan, most of which don't have it, hence the increasing number of foreclosures and short sales.

You probably know this, but "short" is referring to the fact that the lender is taking a short (less than principal value) payoff of the loan; it has nothing to do with timeframes for the transactions.That said, my fastest short sale was 5 weeks from offer to close; my longest is currently at about 7 months and we're still waiting to hear from the bank...

And what are my next steps in growing this business and generating income?

If you are on the cusp of approval, a mortgage officer will do everything they can to help you develop a strategy for the fastest results because they WANT you to be approved so they can make money.As far as the credit lines with your husband, can you at least close the accounts if you can't get yourself removed?

It is located dead center of Wasilla, AK which is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

The population is growing because employment is good here.

That's great Richard.Instead of wanting everyone to give you something you have shown the perseverance and discipline to make it happen for yourself.Everyone wants success but just a few will work for it to make it become a reality.Make sure you have no debts that cost you money every month charging high interest and instead bank roll and keep growing your money.

After you have flipped several properties and started to build a consistent business, do most flippers grow by flipping even more properties or do you start adding rental properties?

-Visit local REI clubs;-Word of mouth, it's amazing how your network grows when you let people know what you do;- Might not be the group you are looking to work with, but the courthouse steps will have investors;- Perhaps sharing deals when you first start out will give you exposure to other bird doggers/wholesalers lists;- Advertise on CL, in your local papers etc. that you have houses you are moving on to investors, and to call/e-mail for information.Creative thinking is the name of the game, It'd be something fun to dabble in but I have other things to occupy my mind; hope that kick started a few thought processes.Andrew