I will be approaching a family member and a co-worker to start a joint venture on a fix a flip so I want to look as professional as possible and could sure use the help.

@Rachel Pivonka I agree with the last statement of @Bryan Wesley, we sometimes quote higher if we are really busy in case we need to hire other short term workers or contract it out to another company if we win the bid.Good luck.

Still working on my niche, strategy, and business plan...I am currently a closing officer at a mortgage lender company with aspirations to become a Loan Officer in the near future (3-5 months).

I earned my license in Oregon in about a month, but finding a quality office to work at took alot longer, so if you already have an in, go for it.

As long as high income skilled technology workers are hired the local real estate prices surge.

You could also call the Housing Office of the area directly with your questions.

One thing I've learned in my recent purchase of a Fannie Mae REO is that they do not allow anyone affiliated with a broker to purchase a Fannie Mae listed home that is listed by that brokerage (even if in another office).

The purchase price does not directly effect the assessed value unless the assessors office takes it into consideration.  

I'm a full time Naval Officer, getting close to retirement.

I also have an office in China and both manufacture and import products from overseas.