We are hoping that the new appraisal under a conventional loan will get me closer to making a profit instead of losing $$$.

A good investor can profit from a good or bad economy. 

Other suggestions to maximize what I one can do to put some profits into tax deferred vehicles?

To do it right you need to select an acquisition criteria; use a credible data source for real time, specific assessor data; spend time to research the area & understand pricing; and mail legitimate ACTUAL offers directly to sellers.Sure, there is a lot more that goes into it, but that’s the “big picture” about how we find off market deals and flip for profit.  

I think the profit margin for a buyer is really good, but I just want to make sure I'm estimating the repairs as accurately as I can. 

So, I'm a new poster here, but have worked in the mortgage industry for the past 18 years, as well as pursued my own RE investments (good and bad)... to previous points in the thread, I've always been fond of the thought that, after 2008, "Closing loans is a team sport"...it takes many hands to make a deal work in and around the actual loan. 

I think the first thing you need to do is narrow down your search by identifying exact what type of investment you are pursuing and then study the crap out of very specific sub markets.

She can take full advantage of the 121 primary residence exemption and take $250K of the profit tax free. 

In the meantime I am positioning myself by studying online to take and get my RE license, pursuing a managerial position w/Federal Civil Service to supplement my pension.

Total Profit if Sold: I just can't seem to get the numbers right!