(I sited the 24 hour notice rule even though my tenants had vacated.)  

Hi guysI'm new to real estate investing and I was considering applying the 50% rule to my deal analysis prior to asking my real estate agents for actuals.I'm assuming this will help build credibility with them and allow for more concrete inquiries rather than constantly asking them for information on deals that may never get done.What are you guys thoughts?

Tax rules are different as well - so understand the market you'll be doing the flips in.

What is the average cap rate/% rule for the area?

PROs:Adds a level of professionalismAccess to MLSNetworking with other agentsAccess to resources of TREC, TAR, NAR, SABOR, & other groupsListing your owner propertiesAbility to earn commissions (or given them up in order to get a deal)Ongoing education that keeps you at the forefront of the market, legal issues, & trendsCONs:More liability (assume professional liability)Some people just don't like RE agentsRealtor - often considered the last bastion of hope for people who have failed to launch a  successful career in anything else.Dues, Fees, Insurance, Expenses in GeneralSubject to rules and laws that don't apply to non-realtorsHaving to work with TREC (they are just very slow and cumbersome to work with)For me, I find it worth it to be a professional in my field.  

It's possible that the configuration of the lots makes it difficult or undesirable to build what the HOA requires on those lots -- or is difficult to adhere to HOA covenants while still adhering to zoning rules. 

Also I work with contractors for my day job, and am not afraid to get dirty and do my own home improvement!

Create a subsidiary LLC in which the S-Corp takes a partnership stake in, transfer the asset into the LLC (not a taxable sale since the LLC is a subsidiary), and the avoid the disguised sale rules by not transferring the asset out of the LLC and into your personal name (assuming you also have a personal stake in the sub LLC) for a period of 7 years.

There could also be non-profits that are looking into improving certain portions of the city as well. 

However, an IRA can partner with disqualify partiey to invest in real estate provided certain rules are followed such as not using debt financing and the property may not be used by either party.