If expensive properties aren't yielding positive cash flow, which is common in hot markets like Fairfax, and if you've found cash-flowing properties in less desirable areas, it's crucial to navigate carefully due to potential risks.

Of course when you look downtown the home prices get much higher, however, there is a historically redlined area, that is still very close to downtown, and just because it's on the west side of the freeway and houses are less taken care of, you see homes for less.Developers are quickly snatching up properties because of this reason and because recent zoning laws have done away with single family zoning, so I'm feeling a sense of urgency to get into a home in this very specific neighborhood.I'm not a super personable guy and feel strange knocking on doors, so I started digging into delinquent taxes.

Be careful with the free data sites, they really rely on algorithm which can pull some funny numbers. 

Account ClosedSome good and some bad advice because none of it is for you personally and a little bit of information overload that will lead to inaction or making mistakes.I'd recommend you see a real financial professional to help you and your family with your values and goals before determining your tactical strategies for capital deployment. 

The original offer was 300k but then we asked for 25k off since there are other multiple things needs to be address like old furnace and stuff like that, but we asked that they take care of the hazardous flags.  

My question being, if I asked to be a 1099 employee instead of a W2 employee, would i qualify as Reps for taxes since I self-manage and take care of all of our own rentals yearly?

I doubt your attorney would be the first to recommend clouding the title, but courts are forgiving when non-professionals do some things, this being one of those.

Granted I should have probably have hired a professional and will definitely do so in the future!

Flip for almost 100k profit Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

There are a number of competent tax professionals commenting on the forums here who work with clients in other states.