I am a new REI looking to get into wholesaling, fix and flips and eventually rental properties.

If you are in relationship with a Realtor and have a saved search setup eventually you could likely ballpark your own numbers.

Thought that was what you were actually doing at this moment and was quite jealous... but yes, I would love to get to that point eventually as well!  

Then do the same on the other side while living in it and eventually take out an equity loan and move onto another property once the Duplex is cash-flowing.

Eventually I plan on expanding marketing, but getting started I have enough to keep me busy.

I think the combination of those two things might serve me well as I get underway with wholesaling, and eventually the other aspects of REI.I have lived in the Houston area all my life and have grown to really appreciate the culture and history that is part of our great city. 

I'm about to start my first rehab (assuming Wells Fargo eventually signs the foreclosure deed - we've already extended twice).It's a 2 family in Rockland that we may decide to condex - or just sell as a duplex. 

As I thought about it, maybe a "LEASE OPTION" is a perfect way to get them in the house and take very good care of it as they would eventually plan to buy the home  I would close on the house and agree to the lease option at the higher sales price and they would rent from me until they were in the financial position to buy it from me Any thoughts on pros / cons?

It was under contract the next week with someone else for 420k, and eventually negotiated down to 325k.  

Welcome @Ryan Conrad I am also new to this, So cheers to us on gaining knowledge and eventually diving in.