I am new to this type of investing and want to learn all I can because I want to retire with extra income, I own a home in Kokomo and this will be my very first flip.

I have quite a bit of equity in my primary residence that I plan to use for purchasing rentals and I have quite a bit of savings in my retirement account that I can use for note buying.

An IRA is an Individual Retirement Account, @Greg Wright.

Before retiring (at which point it is prudent to shift your risk/reward ratio), I used to be an active futures trader.  

I'm now 47 and looking to add to any retirement that I have built up and hopfully have some invesment properties behind me for a solid retirement. 

Most of my tenants are 50+ and on a fixed budget or retirement funds, very easy to manage and happy to be there.The Yucca valley market has some very favorable returns but one thing coming down the pipeline that is going to be a cash flow killer is the sewer infrastructure and the deal that was forced upon Yucca Valley by the State Water Board.  

Here's some more for you:-The Pitch-Unfair Advantage -Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, and it's All Small Stuff-Retire Young, Retire Rich-How to Win Friends and Influence People-Why We Want You to be Rich -Outwitting the DevilEnjoy!

Investment before I retire in a few years.  

If it's retirement income then I'd stick with the cheapest renovation possible improving the property and increasing the value a lot of times landscaping and or grounds work done improves the visual there by the perceived value and that can be done while your father lives there. 

He is retired military and works for the government now.