Some of them are under-trained semi-competent, unmotivated or even temporary individuals, and some are brilliant and extremely capable professionals who just happen to work for H&R. 

I realized that as a newbie investor, I could not compete with investors with robust systems in place.

While I don’t believe in trying to time the market, my idea is that if the market crashes in the next 12 months, I can break my lease and buy a property at that time instead of competing in the current bidding wars going on in my area (Northern Virginia).

And absent specific competence in this activity, this is not a DIY job. 

Make sure you understand the sales comps, lease comps, demographics, the job market in the area, the loan status of competing properties and all the costs to bring the property to stabilization.

Mike,To be a player in commercial real estate, learn to think like a professional.

It would be like trying to have a baby eat steak and potatoes.Just start off with what you can handle for now.If you do new , do not compete with a property where you can here hammers.Don't compete with the "Big Boys".   

Thanks Dave for the cogent and compete explanation.  

You need cash or hard money if you are going to compete with other flippers in this market. 

After going round-and-round with a few difference national providers with awe-inspiring promises (only to be shocked by the real offerings they have) I came to terms with a local bank that is going to beat the terms from the nationwide "investment lenders" and are going to be a solid long-term partner in investing.The national players might work out better for you, based on your local property values or some other factors, but I'd recommend connecting with a local bank and finding a win-win opportunity with them.