Looking to start investing in RE flipping

Hey everyone,

My name is Stan and I’m brand new to the real estate investing world. I’ve been learning a lot recently about wholesaling and flipping, and I’m ready to take the first step with my first flip.

Right now, I’m trying to figure out a few things and would really appreciate some guidance from people who’ve been down this road before:

• Tips & Tricks for a First Flip: What’s something you wish you knew before your first project?

• Finding Deals: Where are some of the best places to source potential properties to flip? MLS? Off-market deals? Agents?

• Running the Numbers: What's the best way to know if a property is truly a good candidate for a flip (ARV, repair estimates, etc.)?

• Pitfalls to Avoid: What are the most common mistakes new investors make that I should be careful about?

I know there’s no “perfect” first deal, but I’d like to be smart and prepared before jumping in. Any advice, resources, or experiences you can share would mean a lot.

Thanks in advance,
Stan