I think if @Alex I think if @Alex T. is looking for the returns, his best bet is to find a realtor that can move fast enough to get those offers in combined with getting in touch with some professional wholesalers in the area. 

If you are looking to access the MLS for deals your best bet to avoid costs of being a Realtor would be to find more than one broker to help find what you are looking for.

Thats basically retail these days for something that isn't absolutely perfect.To me, your best bet is to try to sell this to another owner occupant.

@Jay Hinrichs - To be fair, I do not know where many 2% deals are located and I would bet that most are found through direct mail, tough digging, great negotiating as well as really good relationships with those that helps find those kinds of deals.That is for the true 2% deals that actually perform.I now know where you are coming from on the ghetto type houses and the 2% "on paper" deals and those can only be achieved at super low prices, IMO.  

It'll match the existing bathtub and it works for our needs.If you have the money try and match the tile, if not shower board may be your best bet. 

The popular thing in DFW seems to be having an investor open house.

Thanks, LuAnn Quicbooks or an excel spreadsheet are your best bet.

Because you are located near the bay you are in a very popular area for affordable homes.

In the end I decided to close on the HELOC anyways, but it was a good learning experience and the next time I do it (probably within the next 6 months on a foreclosure I just bought as a personal residence) I'll be sure to do a lot more shopping around.I think your best bet is to look for a local portfolio lender as mentioned above and if you're not ready to pay the prevailing rates for that kind of money consider going back to work full-time for a few more years as you complete a few more deals and build up your track record with the intent to find private partners etc.

You did an excellent job, but I bet 99.9% of first flips go OVER the original budget.