Smart flippers will also study the local rental market trends, tenant demographics, and cash flows that an investor will accept. The smart flippers know that an investor can be one of their most prized customers, so they select homes with that customer in mind.

Many more house flippers are selling to real estate investors. However, the costs to the flipper can increase tremendously due to commissions, marketing, and a longer holding time, depending on your market. Sure, some are sold immediately on the open market to homebuyers, and some listed with real estate agents. While TV shows you see about flipping houses for fast profits can be fun to watch, consider who is buying many of these flipped properties. Rental-property investing is the way to build and grow a portfolio over time that will fund the lifestyle, retirement, and future healthcare needs you may require. Think of having a constant cash flow that eclipses any reasonable risk-adjusted investment returns from stocks, bonds, or savings accounts. Visualize a retirement in a paradise area of your choice or, more realistically, even more than one seasonally.