In my opinion, when you use a PM you can't really complain too much if they didn't get 5 quotes to save you %10 or 15%.

We have about $30k in savings but do not want dip into that for real estate.  

He has proof of adequate savings and is paying 6 months up front.

That is when I realized while I saved myself money, in the end I cost myself money. 

I'm new and afraid to buy someone else's problem property by mistake-Trying to figure out: Do I invest in a small 2-4 plex now, maybe in Sacramento and save the rest of my money or do I think about investing trying to build a team (PM, GC, Broker, etc) in Bakers Field, or even out of state. 

Problem is I don't have much cash saved right now.

I say try to save up some cash.

Save money to buy something.I put property 2 under contract one day after property 1 closed

I don't have enough cash to do any more deals this year but next year I will have enough cash saved by next year, if and only if conditions are right (see below what I mean).So what is my overall philosophy?  

He's partnered with multiple investors on other projects, and has proposed that I go in with on a smaller flip so that I can have some experience going through the process and we can both make a little money.I have about 50k liquid in my savings right now, and hes proposed that I put down 5-10% percent to go in with him on an upcoming flip.