@Joe Mahavuthivanij I have 5 units now, manage 11 but am rapidly growly.

I saw a lot of people who were looking at taking losses or just breaking even on their slow flips get saved by that rapid come up in prices that boosted your profits. 2.5 years process though, that would drive me nuts.

I live in NYC (hoping to leave within the next 1.5yrs) but want to start flipping projects in either Philadelphia or Grand Rapids, MI area.

Anywhere you see rapid and consistent year over year rent increases and a liberal-leaning City Council, you have that potential.

This area has seen rapid growth in the last three years.  

My thought was that increasing cash flow in the growth stage of a portfolio would allow for a more rapid growth.

I also considered the rapid inquiries I received from craigslist in response to my rental posting.

It can help you grow a portfolio rapidly.

I don't know if the home that you are after is in Cedar Rapids but here in Ft Wayne, there are more deals than I have the time and money to turn around.I have found it valuable to never fall in love with a property because there are plenty others available, especially at this time.I have also lost a few deals where I felt like the listing agent was "playing games."

You actually CAN use automation when it comes to emailing offers rapidly to online sources.