Do you have enough time for a fix and flip? 

Any notice of the dog being off the leash is a leash violation and requires a fix or quit letter.

But in many cases, it's worth it to lock in 30-year fixed-rate financing versus a commercial loan.

I decided my first successful fix and flip was mostly luck.... 

There are a multitude of simple things that can go wrong, break, need fixing, or otherwise take 5-10 minutes to fix. 

 Yes you can use equity in a property for a cash out loan to fix the property or you can get a construction loan on the property based on the after repair value. 

I agree with others that would be nice to have one that is fixed up and move-in ready but with a fixer component somewhere.

If you are looking for short term / immediate income, I would recommend fix and flips, wholesaling or lease options. 

I just sold my house and want to move somewhere close to nature/skiing where I can fix up a house and sell it in a 2-3 years.

At the same time you typically will NOT find rates for fixed rate mortgages.Since you specifically mention "private" notes, I personally believe public records are what you actually want, and the best opportunity - why buy stuff other buyers or servicers don't want when you can go directly to the source?