I would just go on VRBO (or similar) and look how people design their properties where it really matters (they are trying to rent to daily guests and design/amenities are super important.

I'd recommend starting with books $10-$20 gets you 90% of the info you need.

We just had one last week...the "I thought we were past this" meltdown of being 42, financially secure, and doing another live in flip. 

Your VA loan will be crucial to your real estate investing growth, especially since it affords you the potential opportunity to own more than one property, depending on your overall allotment.For active military personnel, that conundrum of where to invest and where you will end up is always part of the issue that sometimes causes analysis paralysis so it's great you have one in VA Beach already.

My name is on the deed, but I don't have enough money to do what needs to be done.  

These are the ones where you just enter some information about the property into a website and it gives you a report. 

@Christopher Reynolds My mantra has always been, "Live where you want to live; invest where it makes sense."

Another thing to add is the regulations, HOAs and Cities are imposing a lot of regulation on short-term rentals or rent by a room, I have seen some HOAs regulate the amount of people authorized to rent the property too.It requires to do a lot of due dilligence to begin with mainly in such big house. 

Trying to do everything yourselves.

Quote from @Jack Deer:  I think @Tyler Hall's answer was pretty spot on.You can buy liens in Texas, but it is pretty difficult and you do so with the owners approval and cooperation.