Self Financing your Flip Good Idea or Not?

[John Wooldridge]

I am preparing to begin flipping houses. To do this, I am trying to get all my ducks in a line (agenets, contractors, subs, understanding construction costs, what market I will buy in, etc). With regards to financing, I have access to money that is around the Prime Rate. Enough to pay for the entire flip (purchase, holding costs, repair, and selling expenses). What would be the reason to use OPM (other people's money) whether it be a bank, HML, or other? I understand the concept of leverage in real estate. However, if I am focused on one flip at a time, do I need to use leverage? Does using OPM offset the risk?

Thanks for your input.