Technology is a good partner the more you know on your own.You should make a list of areas you might be interested in first - maybe you lived there or have friends there, you always wanted to go there - and then compare that list to some best areas list, do some of your own research, and then use a major data tool to look.

Is it worth joining for educational and training purposes? 

Are there notable pros/cons to getting the property under an LLC compared to regular homeownership (us)4.

Do one task at a time in each app so you can compare apples to apples.Load a property with pictures and details.Market that property.See what your marketing looks like from the public's perspective.Submit a fake application to see how easy the process is.

Are vacant properties in Texas a better investment compared to other property types, considering factors like acquisition costs, demand, potential appreciation, and holding expenses?

Find the closest properties in terms of location, amenities, etc. on Airbnb/VRBO and compare that way.

.: I was always under the impression that a VA loan could not be assumed for investment purposes and that it must be for a primary residence, which typically means occupancy of the residence for a year. 

I recommend taking a look at comparing a few quotes.

So you would likely need to go business purpose like private money or DSCR financing.

For illustration purposes, it's quite normal to acquire a mix use building consisting of 9 residential units + 1 commercial space for less than a 9 unit multi-family building would trade in the equivalent location because the commercial space is an automatic disqualifier for many investors.