I would first and foremost learn how to be a people person.... read the book “how to win friends and influence people” then start networking.  

Flipping really is a high risk job at high tax rates (if you win).I am back-peddling myself so will share my mid-rehab exit strategy. 

I try to recognize that and if it doesn't put me out or cause me any extra expense, but helps them out a lot and makes things easier for them, well I feel that's an easy early win and gets our landlord-tenant relationship off to a good start. 

Usually your real estate agent who scope out the type of seller and listing agent is representing this listing and will devise a strategy for you to make an offer on this little house that will appeal the goals of that seller.Some ideas might be:- short or no inspection contingencies upon your first offer- limited/short contingenies or no contingencies for appraisal- shortened financing contingency period to appeal to seller- perhaps seller is older and needs time to move out, then a lease back allowing the seller up to 60 days to move out might help- offering higher EMD or earnest money deposit or partialy hard deposit day 1 like 10,000 EMD with 2500 hard day 1 (hard meaning non refundable day 1)- obviously there is going in with a higher price as swell- use of escalation clauses are popular in the pacific northwest west and alot of agents who are in areas with out escalation clauses dont use these often but basically you agree to page a preset amount above the next highest offer till you win up to XXX,XXX price.

Landlord get full year rents up front (minus service fee of course) and tenant is taken care of and can save of finance charge via early payments (reg monthly payment is $1545 each month but with early payoff lowers payment, making it in affect say $1515), everyone wins. win-win-win. 

You pay yourself back, plus interest, which is a win win in my book.This allows you to earn a better return, and gets you in the game!

I would like to see you win such a battle, but I think it is unlikely.Good luck

Two completely different markets, and its okay to be cashflow negative.At the end of the year, your mortgage is still being paid off, and thats a win

-Management***M2M for the win when the crazy sneaks in***

So I win by putting you in a shorter term, variable interest rate product.