But if we are measuring "competitive advantage" and therefore success based on the GPs that own the most units, have the biggest teams, and hopefully have the biggest bank accounts, I would say the primary differentiator is marketing spend.  

I found it on the MLS after the market took a hit.

Purchase price: $110,000 Cash invested: $1,369Acquired this deal from another agent, off-market.

@Becky FrommIf you took your mom off the deed and the loan you could possibly get someone to give you a first on it as a DSCR or private / hard money but then your interest rate is going to be pretty high (double digits)

Flips are certainly possible to do - BUT - it takes a REALLY great spread between your purchase price and ARV for it to be worth the effort in today's market.

If you are just dealing with a sales and marketing company then you won't have the accountability and you will be paying additional unnecessary markup.

Study the market.

Does anyone have experience in this market and can recommend good local managers?

I have roughly $10,000 and I'm looking for ideas on how to get started flipping houses in my local market.  

@Alyssa PizanoThere will be some good areas in CA and there are also markets outside of CA that have fewer restrictions and less saturation.