They may have a min credit requirement, require xx amount of bank statements, tax returns, etc.

My credit score is not strong enough to get a hard money loan.

I think the credit reporting agencies are also in this data mining, over 30, 60, 90 day lates, and yes, state specific as well. 

I am a property manager for 3 different apartments here in Tucson, and have lived here, for now, 3years and have a good credit, but so far that is the only experience I have in RE.I'm looking into buying and flipping houses (still hesitating which one would be the best way to get started between flipping houses or house hacking) but also I'm 23 years old, would you recommend finding an other RE investor to team up with for my first deal?

I applied a Home Equity Line of Credit with a Rental property I own free and clear. 

Any of those are good places to meet some other investors to get some tips, as well as deal sponsors that you may decide to invest with, after building a relationship. 

You could be tip toeing on discrimination on people count so be careful.

All tips or pointers you have would be very helpful for navigating the area and property type I am looking at.

(this last tip is for the sell or rent side).What is my distilled best ideas for highest stress in Aug 2016 (this changes over time which is why Guru advice often doesn't work) is:- late on taxes.  

Please share any tips on what to look out for when hiring a contractor for renovations to a property you are looking to flip.