Looking to use hard money loans to purchase properties,  using the fix and  flip method for the 1st few properties to build cash reserves. 

What other steps would you guys recommend to prepare to buy my first house in several years time when I’m old enough.

And there are now "safe work practices" that require certian steps when renovations involve lead paint.

From a tax angle, flipping is treated as active income, so once you start doing consistent deals you will want the right setup, often an S Corp, to avoid paying more tax than you need to.The best first steps are to learn how to analyze deals, build your team (a lender with creative financing options, a real estate agent in the area you're interested in, and maybe a CPA), and understand your numbers so your first flip is profitable after taxes.I just sent you a DM with a resource that might be helpful for you in this situation, so feel free to check it out.

I’m a small property owner and learned this one the hard way.I've used Zillow and it's been great for getting eyes on my listings, but I’ve stopped trusting it as a final screening step.

Is there a particular method you find that works?

This can be adjusted by your cost seg provider via numerous methods.

To build on that, the strategic value for me has been treating a quality cost segregation study not just as a compliance step, but as a capital planning tool....  

So far, I have done the following methods to try and network:- gone to realtor offices around my town and letting them know I'm an investor and gave them my buy box.

They’ve at least been willing to outline what the step‑ups look like so I’m not blindsided later.