My wife and I are new to the real estate game.

Im trying to get my first flip going in the San Antonio Texas area I have some money saved up but my question is how hard is it for qualyfying for a hard money loan and has anyone used one as means of flipping there first property how much do they usually as for skin on the game for first time fix and flip ... also any good recomandations of some you might have worked with  

As an expat living overseas, I have established a few LLCs as I start my investment rental portfolio.

I'm new to the game and have been absorbing multiple books/webinars/podcasts, but I haven't seen anything yet about how to pick a place to invest in. 

It would be one thing If i were just starting, but I just think at this stage of the game that commission has way higher value as a bargaining chip on an offer (the one thing I know I can do without help) than any additional realtor services that would accompany it.

Being a newer agent I need someone to learn the ropes from and someone that can help me build a solid game plan to get out of my full time job and into real estate full time.

Until you build a track record with a private lender they will surely want you to have some skin in the game so there's that side of things you have to resolve with them.

My long-term goal (5-7 years) is to establish a real estate investing business based around the buy-and-hold and BRRRR strategies to help provide financial freedom to my family.

They’re almost certainly going to require a down payment as they want their borrowers to have some “skin in the game”. 

I'm currently working as a purchasing manager in a manufacturing company a bit north of there, but will probably relocate soon after we find a good property.I'm a bit of a nerd, very into video games and role-playing games, but I also have quite a bit of experience fixing minor things around the house from when my parents made me as a kid.Looking forward to hearing from you all, and participating in the community!