Other than REI (investing and frequenting the outdoors store), I do web development, teaching, and run an Airbnb - feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat about any of those topics.Cheers,Danny

Finally getting around to an intro and using the web site and forums more.About 2 years ago I listened to a few dozen podcasts as a way to learn more about the possibility of investing in real estate (fix and flips or rentals).

At least that is what @NickBrogren appears to be stating.

Now all I have left to do is to start finding good fix and flip properties, which appears to be very competitive and one of the hardest parts of this business.I'm really interested in connecting with other investors/rehabbers/actual wholesalers in Central Connecticut to talk with and work with. 

The going rate appears to be $500/ea for a two or three day event.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

@Ray Agosto,  the first thing I do is go to a county web site and click on their property tax link.  

However, the interest you are paying on the borrowed money is an interest expense that does lower your net taxable income.If the $20K loan was from a private loan that will not appear on your credit report, then you should show the loan as a liability on your credit application.  

For your last question, you do not appear to be getting a Freddie or Fannie loan based on the details you provided.

I would also add removing old,broken,warn out,or enormous furniture that is clearly unattractive and makes the living room and bedrooms appear smaller and less comfortable than they really are.The house should be staged with modern and appropriate furniture to show buyers what they're new furniture will look like in their new home.Excess clothing that is not normally worn should removed from overstuffed closets and dressers and donated to charity,thrown away,or boxed up and stored off site from the home.If your toilets are old or have unremovable stains that look terrible,replace the entire toilet.Bathtubs should be reglazed to look shiny and new again.