In Carroll County, bidding is done auction by surplus, not interest bid down method.

I would like to own my own company as a full time investor in the distant future (currently employed).  

The ones that aren't have been in the business for decades and were usually employed elsewhere in some capacity associated with real estate before they became agents.To help the process along, what you should do is find an experienced real estate investor who's been doing what you want to do for awhile and follow her or him through a property.

Just make sure you work with a Realtor who understands House hacking the BRRR method.

I have always been self employed so I don't have the luxury of company retirement benefits and so on!

@Justin K.Plaintiff attorneys employ asset search specialists who are very good at what they do.

What are some suggested methods to find the average cap rate in local area, local brokers, comps, etc?

With many young residents and strong employment growth over the past years Trulia has put Colorado Springs at number one.

Another method would be to use list source.com .

The difference between your adjusted cost basis and the net sales price when you sell is the profit you will pay tax on.Tax when your primary intent is to flip is at your ordinary income rate which could include federal, state, self employment, and ACA surcharge (as much as 40% depending on where you live and pay tax).