Use other money with less restrictions for flipping.Generally speaking, properties that have flipping potential are physically distressed which might be a problem for VA.  

Our listing is also near the top due to our proximity to downtown and our 5 star reviews. 

Works very well, I have far more 5 star reviews than most of my competition, which keeps me booked.Guide Book, online (web site/blog, vrbo app) and physical binder at the property.

But, if you put yourself physically in situations where you're a little uncomfortable but able to soak up as much of what's going on around you as possible, that's where you'll stop feeling intimidated and start feeling empowered.Before I bought my first rental property, I once attended a rental open house at a neighborhood apartment complex.  

Also the houses in a neighborhood can be well made but if the quality of living is believed to be of a lower standard (opinion) the over all rating can go down so it is not necessarily the physical property that is just being graded.

Addressing the physical issue of actually preventing dogs from digging under a fence, I'd suggest what I did at my primary home. 

-Help someone reach your level, even if it's just a phone call-Decide right then and there-"Proper physical exercise increases your chances for health.

Durham kind of gets a bad rap but once they run out forest to plow under in the outlying areas I predict proximity will trump negative opinion.  

As for proximity, I didn't say I'm unwilling to relocate!

(The hose would not get disconnected from the wall drainage hole unless someone physically removed it and failed to put it back).