At this stage of my investing career I want my money working hard.

You're very right in advising lifestyle considerations - but it's crazy how little I know of the US (born/raised overseas, worked most of my career abroad). 

Contractors become developers later in their careers but it rarely goes the other way.

Just to clarify why I'm looking to flip instead of just buy and hold myself: I'm in a situation where there is very little banks will give me for leveraging rental homes despite having a good amount of assets and excellent credit because I haven't had any income in 4 years (long story short: I went back to school after my previous career as a professional poker player ended due to the online poker shutdown.

When I made a career change and decided to be a full-time real estate investor I had many reasons for wanting to go into real estate.  

@Jesse Flores,The short answer to your question is only two words: "Property Analysis".The longer answer is to get educated on how to analyze properties and determine a suitable strategy for any given property.

I have a bulletin board at home with a road map as to where I want to take this career.

I am a die hard teacher and endlessly help people with their careers, etc.

My question is in regard to what the government secured loans define as suitable.

If I cannot find a suitable place to move to should I just keep my current home or should I find a cheaper location to rent (2000 vs 1300).