@Nick BaxterIn the Reno, NV market there are other housing programs that the local government offers that might be a similar strategy. 

Creating uniform and basic minimum standards is going to be better than allowing local cities and municipalities to make all kinds of overlays.

We sign with a local broker, and negotiate a smaller commission.Do you have any recommendations for which option to choose?

Then learn as much as you can on the topic by joining local groups, meetups, etc.

Former ‘wholesale finder’ says he was thrown under bus by the prominent real estate investors.https://www.seattleweekly.com/news/equity-skimming-tale-of-a...His job was seemingly simple, but also important to the busi...

Be sure to check local zoning and such to make sure your project is feasible.

I'm local to the Dallas area and looking to also grow my connections and talk real estate!

For local connections I’d recommend checking out the RI Real Estate Investors Group.They meet once a month in person for members and with another virtual meeting each month open to non-members too.I’ve been a member since 2003 and generally found it worthwhile.

@Nora Lugounfortunately it's difficult to just "get a mentor" - I'd go to some local REIA meetings and network.here's some good reading before you buy a random property in Memphis because it looks good on paper. 

If you're furnishing in Austin let me know, I have a spreadsheet of what I'd buy from the local furniture stores.