I have a few secured credit cards and just got approved for my first unsecured credit card.

Put up no trespassing signs and hire some security. 

I would collect a security deposit and first and last months rent as a rule. 

I am looking to buy fix & flip properties (or those with good BRRR potential) in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas (including Fountain, Security, and Peyton).

The quality of agents runs the gamut, but I bet you don't ask the attorney to represent you and tell them I won't pay you until I am sure you win the case (obviously some do work that way but talking about the situations where that is not the case).That being said, if you ask someone to run around and do a bunch of "free" work eventually that tapers off as they find clients that respect their time, energy, resources (assuming they are worth their weight). 

I was wondering if anyone has done this recently in the area or could offer some advise on how to secure bank financing for a new location to move to.

Fannie Mae states the following:Fannie Mae’s April 3 clarification of the “Second-Home Rider” shows that homeowners are allowed to rent out a second home after one year of ownership and that short-term renting during the first year is also permitted under specific conditions The following eligibility requirements apply to second home Mortgages:·The Mortgage must be secured by a 1-unit property·The Borrower must occupy the second home for some portion of the year·The Borrower must keep the property available primarily (i.e., more than half of the calendar year) for the Borrower's personal use and enjoyment·The Borrower may rent the property on a short-term basis provided that the property is not subject to any rental pools or agreements that require the Borrower to rent the property, give a management company or entity control over the occupancy of the property, or involve revenue sharing between any owners and the developer or another party·The Mortgaged Premises must be in such a location to function reasonably as a second home·The second home must be suitable for year-round occupancy with the following exception: a second home with seasonal limitations on year-round occupancy (e.g., lack of winter accessibility) is eligible provided the appraiser includes at least one comparable sale with similar seasonal limitations to demonstrate the marketability of the subject property.

Even though I have a good amount of cash on hand, it is hard for athletes to secure a mortgage from the banks without a three year contract.

This is because the property is what is securing the loan, not yourself and that means certain areas have homes that retain their value better than other areas.

And, once a property gets into Lis Pendens, securing title insurance is impossible since the title is "in play."