Definitely start networking at meetups (@Mark Ainley has a list on his website of all the local meetups) and surround yourself with people who are already doing it/ in your shoes. 

Hey Kallie - My wife and I were/are in your shoes.

If I were in your shoes I'd be looking at DSTs or syndications.

I am currently looking to fund my first deal within the next 6-12 months, and wanted to see if you guys had any advice on how you would approach the situation in my shoes.

quick back story: Self employed RE Broker in Greater Seattle Wa, my wife is a w2 employee, 133k HELOC, 50k COH, looking to acquire first investment through brrrr, flip and/or short term (airbnb) most likely out of stateGetting right into it....My wife and I have just closed on our HELOC and we have some COH as well...we have a few different options and were looking to see what others would do in our shoes....1.

@Peter WellmanIf I was in your shoes I'd utilize the VA loan to purchase a home and set aside the $25K for repairs/upgrades or to prepare for your next investment. 

@Jim Garrett Not sure how this works in Arizona, but in NJ, were we in your shoes, we'd retain an attorney experienced in evictions and start the process with him/her, taking notes along the way. 

I am nowhere near that. thanks for the advice though I appreciate it. by the way, what would you do if you were in my shoes?

Is there anyone else in my shoes or were prior? 

If you're a store that sells shoes, you wouldn't sell to a customer who's only interested in buying shirts.