I'm starting my first flip tomorrow and am already having problems with contractors being organized enough to give me reasonable line item budget.Thanks in advance for any help!

I'm looking for a potential partner (NOT an investor), preferably someone with a very strong RE finance/legal and/or internet travel/hospitality background with good communication skills seeking to capitalize on the VR market. 

There is a REI group on CR that Julie Freeman organizes. 

If I really have to choose, will choose compounding rate of return.That said, I will measure my success based on what I know at the time of purchase (Termed is as "Skill-Based PnL", Profit and Loss).Like @J Scott and many others said, you can't really predict the future.  

Networking is a skill that anyone can learn, and if you become good at it, you can form relationships with the right people, whether it's brokers (to find you deals), other owners (to buy and sell with), or investors.  

@Brian Gibbons has enriched my REi skills in a huge way, so I'm a fan of his and I think he has the right approach to helping you become successful in this business.  

Whether you pay them or offer free labor or provide some other skill/service they need, they have no vested interest in you, and they will likely expect something in return for helping you.

Any recommendations on good attorneys in Dallas to help with organization structure? 

@Kristin Whitfield If Commercial property is going to be your focus, consider attending a CCIM event or other Commercial Real Estate Trade or professional organizations in your area and introduce yourself to various commercial brokers and lenders.

Aside from learned knowledge through the internet, what hands-on, hard and soft skills would you seasoned veterans of the industry recommend to learn/work?