I prefer Germantown for similarly priced condos. 

If this home is being flipped it depends on the target buyer (do they prefer a garage or extra bedroom).

Just get as clear of an idea as you can—preferably with some reinforcement in the way of photos, articles, mocked-up plane tickets or certificates, etc.

You just need to find or be referred to a good loan officer..As for mortgage brokers, I don't prefer them, but there is a trade-off. 

I always follow-up with my agent through email with a recap of the conversation to make sure I understand and prefer that to be our primary means of communication since it is tracked and recorded. 

I keep hearing that in order to learn faster and make sure I don't make the same mistakes that a mentor is vital or at least preferred.

I would prefer to work direct with the builders 

I would agree with Jon, after looking at the markets you prefer, you will then be able to look at properties and say "yay" or "nay" to them.

I have an opportunity in my preferred market for an off market deal with a historic home that has been converted into a 4 plex.

There are some that have a higher pricing adjustment if you close as an individual when purchasing a cashflowing rental as most prefer LLC vesting.