As a VA, you’d want to build on that by getting familiar with tools that real estate professionals use.

I did check Loopnet and it's all listed for sale by brokers and agents, so I don't think it is off-market -- right?

I just completed my 20 hour course for my Illinois Mortgage Lending License and the final step is taking the state exam.

Assume a couple of months of vacancy, consider potential unexpected repairs (like HVAC or plumbing issues), and test the numbers with rents dropping by 10-15%.

Of course, all channels can work.. it’s just that certain ones might be better for your situatoin right now.Since your Charlotte mortgage is higher, renting by the room can spread that burden across multiple renters.

Second, by working with an investor does this mean partnering with them and using their capital for investment properties like fix and flips?

I'm not sure how and what to look for in a lender that would take the property as a down payment or what step I should take first.

My approach is to take a few minutes per quarter and make sure it is accurate by manually checking my true competition and adjustmenting prices accordingly. 

I’d like to have 3 single-family homes and the 5-plex paid off by then, which would give me some solid passive income.

I'm sure over time more laws will be created to force the government to give that information in a more timely manner but for now they often obstruct the public by withholding it for a time.