@Alison CromwellIn order to obtain a flip loan with no consistent income history, the following steps need to be undertaken: create an impressive credit score, put aside more funds as a down payment, check out new methods of getting funding besides what is available from banks or other financial institutions, involve yourself in investments with toughened entrepreneurs, show how financially sound you are by doing things such as getting enough money into savings over time through frugal living habits or accumulating valuable assets that can be readily converted into cash when required among others like developing several stable sources of income or steadily growing one.

I would have to go back and look at the costs and then divide them amongst my properties to figure it out but right now I am paying for the following subscriptions:Guesty for HostsRing CamerasPrice LabsHostfully GuidebooksREIHubZapierSignNowWhen I purchase one of these subscriptions it is usually based on the criteria of how much time can it save me, or how much additional revenue can it make me, or how can it improve my business.  

I think I would like to start using the fix n flip method, but having trouble starting any suggestions on what my next move should be.

You can get a 2%-5% rate on a mortgage that you assume and since values have come down in most states over the past 2 years, you may be able to find a seller who would be willing to have you take over the payments and cover the closing costs! 

You need to have criteria designed to protect your money, and a reliable method of determining value.In my opinion, appraisals are not necessarily a reliable method of determining value, so staying within your own market area to start with can also protect your capital because it's easier to know value next door than across the country.

Been thinking about taking on a personal loan of 50-70k for purchasing power in my Midwest market, the loan would just be for down payments and closing costs on sub 85k SFH / Duplex properties.

The only way you could get to 3 quality STRs with that $80,000 is if you use the BRRRR method and execute it absolutely perfectly. and get all of your capital back + some extra to cover furnishing on every deal.

Despite the appeal of leveraging debt for wealth expansion, the security and certainty of a fully paid home offer compelling advantages for many.Pro tip:I look at the metric ROE, Return on Equity over ROI, Return on Investment.ROI = (Net Operating Income/ Total Investment Cost​) × 100ROE = (Net Operating Income/ Equity​) × 100For me, what is best for you is dependent on what stage of your investment lifecycle you're in coupled with your risk tolerance and personal financial goals.With Discipline,Josh

On the flip side of that, someone else is lowering your cost of housing, it's a mutually beneficial situation.  

Should I talk to a contractor first to see what it would cost, or an appraiser to see what they would think it would add in value to the home?