If you were me, just starting out, first property ever, would you use this money to find a BRRRR deal or use this money for possibly 2-3 properties for down payments? 

@John Perkins Help you find lenders that can increase your profitability on your projects and perhaps help you scale!

***BUT keep it ***B - Buy it F - Fix itLive - Primary Residence itLeave - Keep it, rent it out, and find a new primary residence What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Home price appreciation is still trending up, but cashflowing rentals are difficult to find for the most part.

It does not matter if you find the single best market in the US.

And while nothing is foolproof the most consistent method of finding good vendors is relying on OTHER real estate investors that have worked with those vendors. 

Quote from @Morgan Leiviska: How I would build this database for you would be to connect with people at local meetups that you find.

You need to find a zip code where land values are 10% of less of after built value.

I suggest that you make it a point of finding a good lender, not just someone who can do the job of helping your clients buy their home but someone who is willing to teach you.

I believe it's because the property is being sold "as-is," and they are unwilling to make repairs or negotiate based on findings.