I love flipping cars, its fun and it pays for my lifestyle
I generally buy cars that I'm familiar with and have collected parts from over the years.
Ill look for something dirt cheap starting with craigslist, and I'm not afraid to travel for the right deal.
Then I fix the necessities, and make sure the car is reliable. Some cars I find I'm in over my head in and dump them as is still needing work for a small profit.
The cars that are "nicer" I find it best to be completely honest. Id rather scare aware a buyer by telling them every small detail than sell a car with secrets. This generally has helped me build a good reputation locally and many people come to me when they need a car. Often I don't have something to fit their needs but Im quick to lend a hand in finding something for them.
good photos and having a phone number in you ad seems to be extremely helpful too, the more people can see before they get to you and the easier you are to contact makes it much easier to sell.
I'm also always very open to trades, often Ive made a ton more money by taking a trade and prolonging the selling process than holding onto the car waiting for a cash deal.
It is definitely not easy, and Ive had several friends try it because I make it look easy only to fail miserably and beg me to help them recoup their losses.
If you don't have good communication, internet, and people skills just forget it. I've found that a flexible schedule makes everything easier too. If someone is ready to buy, do not hesitate. Make your schedule work. Find an open notary. Make it happen right then or it probably won't.
that's just the beginning of insight I can offer....its dinner time though