This is probably a realistic figure if the property has ANY significant deferred maintenance, which most properties sold at a discount do. 

This is almost the same as doing the refi now and then using the cash as a down payment, however you'll now have two sets of closing costs, you'll have interest expense until you find the next deal, and you might not get as much of a loan for a straight refi than you would if you combined the two into one loan.Happy to explain further if you'd like.

I'm not looking at buying now, but I did want to start wrapping my mind around the ins and outs of buying, fixing, and selling in short durations.I know market influence on income is a difficult way to make a living, so my goal is to make a bankroll to be able to fund my first flip with straight cash. 

If you continue to use the same contractor and develop a relationship with him and he knows that when he looks and bids thing the work will come, the details will follow and probably some repeat discounts.  

Preferably a buyer's agent who will put in all your offers for you unless you prefer going straight to the listing agent on each property you want to purchase on some or all your purchases.2. 

It just makes sense because you can list more of your leads than you can buy (for cash at a steep discount)...

If you are buying properties at the end of Q3, you are going to have fewer "eyes" on your rentals; however, by purchasing early in the season (start of Q2), rehabbing and getting it onto the market (whatever you do to find renters) by mid-Q2, you have a lot of prospective tenants.Again, the numbers work or they don't, but if you are getting a great deal in December, make sure that the relative discount covers carry costs in the event you cannot get a wonderful tenant in the first 45-60 days.

I'd like to think you'll find the resources we offer on structuring syndications / private offerings to start your own RE investment firm informative as well (pretty sure I'm biased though).The terminology, process, necessary documents and decisions (PPM, Reg D 506 (b vs c), blind bool preferred return, etc. all seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it's pretty straight forward once you understand the basics and get some exposure to the moving parts. 

Getting a property for a large discount needs either lots of cash or lots of time...

A saturated market for a concept leads to constant discounts and volume business to eek out a small profit to get by.