@Mahonri Bussey Start socking away your paychecks; live a frugal life, don't blow your money on foolish things ("needs" versus "wants"). 

I'm really just trying to decide the best method to get started so I can hopefully avoid blowing my seed money on a disaster right out of the gate, LOL.

My phone has been blowing up from posts like this, since apparently no one is asking the question "can it be traditionally financed?"

Nothing mind blowing but we've been able to make 30k per flip which is better than being in the red but we are frustrated with options available in finding good financing without very much cash on hand.

I completely understand your frustration @Philip Vidal and I have the same frustrations.The general argument that the city and many advocates make are this:1.

Better for primary shelter expenses than blowing it. 

Looking back at the prices, its truly mind blowing how much its appreciated in those areas.

You'll blow a compressor when you slug the compressor with liquid refrigerant or you'll crack the heat exchanger by overheating it.   

Use the counsel of the agent and decide how much it is worth to you, but if the agent is telling you they would do both sides, they are trying to get more and will blow the deal because the seller does not want that.

Based on your numbers, you're going to blow through the $500kcap, unless you use the cheapest materials.