Sounds like stocks are an afterthought for you compared to REI but I'd love to get a clearer picture of what the allocation / timing looks like for you.

Good professional pictures always helpsIf you ask PRO Flipper, I know 33% is not great return but decent return for 6 month project as per me.

LOL (jk about the last question)Is taking a picture of these "Non Owner Occupied" homes and sending them a postcard of it a good idea? 

It not impossible but understand there are dozens if not hundreds of other flippers out there who can estimate rehab and ARV just by looking at pictures and if they haven't already paid cash for the house, than it's probably not a good deal.

I also attended a TREIA workshop on legal issues for landlords and had a real estate attorney review my application and policies, and I do move-in inspections with new tenants so everything is transparent and covered up front. 

As such I am building the appropriate checks and balances to cover those damn loose stair treads.

So, my question for the BP community is this: does anybody have a verified, dependable screening company that covers evictions nation-wide - even Maine, and that will allow me to see the full credit report (after an office inspection, of course)? 

The idea was that direct material and labor would be covered and any gross profit would contribute something to cover the overhead.

My goal is to begin my real estate journey buy acquiring a multi-unit i can occupy and rent out to cover to the mortgage and hopefully create small cash flow. 

Don’t let your feelings into the picture.