This will teach you a lot about the process (and likely that you don't want to do it, but how to manage a property manager down the road). 

Hi,I was curious what the process is, and what possible pitfalls there are for someone, particularly a beginner, to obtain hard money for a flip?

i'm in the process of exchanging out of an existing property, and into a large multi-family value-add syndication through a TIC structure. the syndication team is looking to refi their acquisition loan approximately 2 years after the acquisition to return investor capital. the business strategy calls for a sale in year 5. any one out there able to opine as to whether the cash-out refi would fall under the 'step transaction doctrine,' and thus be a taxable transaction for me?

I'm military so I'll most likely be using the VA loan process which doesn't require PMI. 

Anyways, I am in the process of revamping my contacts to find the ‘sweet spot’ on level of detail.

We own a home now and this is our second so I'm familiar with the process of purchasing real estate but only to occupy and not as an investment. 

Before I do so I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for another deal and try to close on it and just keep the process going. 

I am very familiar with the Denver zoning code and permitting process as well as the surrounding jurisdictions.

@Adam Fansler we found one that we signed a contract with for the 3 homes we bought, we are in the process of renovating the first one so we'll see how we like them, thanks for the additional recommendation.

Any suggestions/guidance/advice which can help me during the process will be welcomed.