I would like it for a broker to cover the costs, the classes, books and test are $450.

I am a new investor, with basically no cash, and my strategy right now is to start flipping to build some cash up and then to eventually go into buy and hold strategy for long-term wealth.My plan is to read the book on biggerpockets that is for sale on House Flipping, and also if I can find a mentor ( where I will of coarse help out in doing free labor or whatever I can to learn the business).

I read in a book about flipping that I could call a title company and have them give me a list of home owners with out of state tax id's.

One book that will really help you do your market research and due diligence is: "Buy It, Rent It, Profit!

Is there a local data book that appraisers go by to make adjustments for carpet vs tile vs hardwood vs laminate, or brick vs wood, architectual vs 3 tab, etc?

It was definitely one of my favorite!

People that provide help/services for money are not guru's in my book.

Also, I have been going to the library to find books to read.

Since you are interested in the Flipping world, definitely check out url=http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook]"The Book on Flipping Houses" [/url] to help out.

A couple places I'll point out to ya: First, here are my favorite wholesaling articles:9 Reasons You Couldn’t Find A Buyer For Your Wholesale DealDon’t Start Wholesaling Until You Read This: Wholesale Advice from a Fix and FlipperHow to Start Wholesaling: Getting Past The Education and Into the FieldAlso - one of the best ways to stay in touch with what's going on is by setting up Keyword Alerts for stuff you might be interested in or maybe your local city.