Super thorough, I’m just getting my feet wet and some of the things you’ve covered in here are great questions/advice.

There are numerous places where you can find out about local or nationwide auctions of properties where the foreclosure process is complete.Some websites to consider: auction.com, xome.com, and for HUD foreclosures, hudhomestore.com.One thing I like about HUD foreclosures is that they generally have already evicted the previous owner.

@Raj G.There are numerous benefits of contributing money to Solo 401k:Tax deduction, this plan allows contributions up to $61,000 per year per participant.

Hi Joe,I would start with a smaller multifamily (2 to 4 unit) to get your feet wet.

With that said, I have researched the path of being a bird dog which allows me to get my “feet wet” in the business without having a big marketing budget or actually locking up the home under contract.

If you have never done a deal before, I recommend investing in an apartment syndication to get your feet wet. 

You also definitely don’t want to be in the middle of “tenant A always leaves wet stuff in the washer”.

If the units are currently rentable and market rents per unit are $1500-2,000 per month (enough to cover your mortgage by renting 2 of 3 units) this could (not saying it is) be a decent buy and hold deal and/or something to house-hack with to get your feet wet but I would not consider it for your first flip.  

In other words, what are the numerical criteria (or other parameters) that separate a deal into "yes" pile vs the "no" pile?

I'd like to get my feet wet into wholesaling, but am not sure if Austin is the best place for it.