Fortunately, there is no HOA involved. 

If anybody is looking for handymen work my husband is providing some on the side when we are not currently involved in our own projects.

I recommend finding a market that has the following: good employment trends (it should beat the national  unemployment rate)job diversity (no one industry makes up more than 40% of the economy - the lower the % the better) good supply and demand - check out the availability of homes compared to the # of people looking (it's called the Absorption rate) a good team that is experienced and you trust (probably the most important because the money is in the execution of the biz plan, not creating the biz plan) 

I have a very good friend that was snagged this way after being involved in a nasty lawsuit.

We want to do this as a second source of income and because we both have a passion for the work that is involved taking on an investment like flipping.  

Basic pointers I'd recommend is to start looking online at your own market as you're learning the concepts to compare them with your market, and get involved with an investors association down there - If I could it would be my first stop in deciding if REI was the right place for me.Welcome to the community Aaron!

Make sure you understand all the costs involved so you don't just break even.....after keeping your money busy for months.  

Are you involved in REI here in the Atlanta area?

You can pay your agent, some sellers won't want an agent involved thinking they will get stuck with a commission, not true. 

My name is Chris and I am interested in getting involved with flippling properties in the Metairie and New Orleans area.