Here is my two cents: Not a legal advice so please do your own due diligenceStep 1: Go to a small regional bank and  speak to someone who deals with small business loan or small commercial loan depending on the $ AmountStep 2: Tell them that you are a real estate investor and looking to build a portfolio of cash flowing properties.

@Marvin Brannaka   these strategies in my mind are regional... might work were you have a plethora of homes that need major work.. on the west coast your going to play heck finding anyone who will give you an option.. they will want serious EM and a close in 30 days or less. and many times will not allow assignments at all.

I think the commission options are different by region.  

Villacorta's forecast from Clear Capital that the Midwest is projecting to have the highest appreciation rate in 2015 compared to the other parts of the region in the U.S..Can you please provide your reasoning why?

There are waaaaayyyy too many seminar speakers in this region teaching people to build wealth through real estate.

Ironically, I was recently laid off due to a regional cutback and would prefer to take this opportunity to get into investing before deciding to go back into a corporate job. 

I did some good diligence and called multiple custodian companies, both on the national and regional level and compared their services and fees.  

It's a beautiful region of the country. 

Welcome @Aaron Ramm - I am as well extremely interested in the Snohomish County region. 

I would love to talk to and meet more experienced flippers/investors in the Buffalo/WNY region.