I’ll continue to explore a couple other options in the meantime. 

I actually got across this thread while Googling data on rent-to-price ratios for a friend who was exploring Lakeland.

Looking ahead, once you secure a tenant, perhaps this is something that should be explored to make the next lease up easier.Also, @Caria Mitchell raised an interesting point in saying: We are experiencing a shortage of qualified applicants, I’ve noticed non-conventional applicants vs qualified applicants that don’t have a voucher or some form of subsidy. 

This method is a little riskier and requires more work from the Property Manager. 

What method of financing did you use? 

Asa result, we are seeking alternative methods for acquiring off-marketproperties.While we havedeveloped a robust system for identifying and pre-qualifying potential landparcels, one of the major hurdles we face is reaching the property owners.

So I'm strongly considering adding a handful of these to my buy & hold portfolio.I understand that there's no "risk-free" method to acquiring these properties subto, but have any of you had success over the long-term acquiring properties with VA loans attached?

Visit, explore these place and then narrow it down.

There is a book in the library called "Low (and no) Money Down" that discusses the various methods of financing purchases.

And you are continuing to invest in real estate a 1031 is a good option to explore.