Total out of pocket $28,000.I had posted the house up for rent with a sign out front, on Craigslist, and on Postlets and had numerous calls.  

Whether legitimate or not, if an exchange is audited the field agent will first sniff it and then start digging.  

As far as representing myself goes; you must be a lucky guy to have never been dragged into court as he would have a field day with motions and every trick in the book to buy him more time, and ultimately staying in the house longer than he would have to if I had a lawyer.I do have multiple other properties that are cash positive, but with a mortage and expenses at $1,000/month plus legal fees starting at $5,000 (lowest estimate after three lawyers) I don't see that much of a choice. 

Since I'm looking for a job in the residential real estate field and will be brand new to the area, I am open to any suggestions that someone might have so I can learn about the Phoenix market and get a little bit of experience before jumping into investing.

Since I'm looking for a job in the residential real estate field and will be brand new to the area, I am open to any suggestions that someone might have so I can learn about the Phoenix market and get a little bit of experience before jumping into investing.

Anyone have experience in this field? 

My focus is in the wholesaling field.

Hey @Garrett Gable, and others here on the blog,Same with Jonathan Mecham, I am also a beginner in the field, trying to acquire my first property here in Reno, NV, for a flip, or similar to your tactic, however where do you search for properties such as that where it's an individual seller???

Offer to intern under a top performer in that field. 3.

Any flip "properly assessed" should more than cover the $1000...I believe Josh or Brandon as well as numerous other including Kiyosaki have posts and books on why real estate out performs stocks.