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

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Quote from @Andrea Lucarelli: I’m interested in beginning my REI career with purchasing a SFH or condo in Cleveland area (safe neighborhood) to list as a furnished rental for travel medical professionals, supply corporate housing needs, or house temporarily displaced families for insurance companies.  

Buy of course banks won’t use “gift funds” and I don’t want to wait 60 days to let season.

Of course - having a w-2 job will never prevent you from setting up an IRA including a self-directed IRA.If yes, how can I fund it?

If you are going to start BRRRRing in Philly assemble a team of real estate professionals who can help you with market analysis, location, title and financing.

I'm passionate about teaching real estate in underserved communities and helping others build wealth through knowledge.Looking Ahead: I’m seeking local and out of state investors, lenders, and professionals in the Atlanta area for STRs and MTRs, and in Birmingham, Phoenix, Columbus, Macon, and Augusta, GA for long-term rentals and small multifamily deals.Let’s connect if you share my vision for creating real estate that not only generates wealth but also builds lasting, positive change.

very sorry to hear that. a lot of "professional" unfortunately only look at you as a number and not a long term relationship. you should be able to put a complaint against home inspector to hopefully recover some damage they missed

I am hoping to find a reasonably priced photographer to take some sharp  photos of a Property. 
The property is in San Marcos, Texas. That’s a little south of Austin, Texas.
Can somebody make any recommendations or...

, yes Of course, if you look the right ways.