The combined network will remove duplication of listings currently served by both systems, and will now provide information from more than 600 data sources, and distribute approximately three million listings nationwide, or close to 85% of residential listings in the country.Move, Inc.

Flips are as good as anywhere, but it's also popular here, and a LOT of people do it already, and I've heard a few sources say that it's become very competitive here. 

Your best bet is going to be through a wholesaler or source your deals directly with your own marketing.

And don't forget to get weed control products like Preen into your process; Preen requires that the weeds first be removed (it helps to prevent weed seed from germinating, so roots and all of the weeds must go first).  

Fall planting allows the plants to put their energy into developing their root systems rather than top growth.

Certainly discuss with various sources as each lender will have their pros and cons. 

Find a bank willing to do this, locate a private or hard money source and purchase the house, then refi into a regular mortgage.I have been purchasing rentals this way for the last 7 years. 

I'm not new to investing but I am relatively new to wholesaling/sourcing my own deals. 

Some will be individual specific like my having two employment income sources.

You asked about the legality, there are federal regulations that employers, sources of income, landlords, mortgage holders and debt holders provide applicants or their lenders with the information to applicants/lenders for insured mortgages.