If I already have some properties under my belt and they are cash flowing, I'll be much more willing to save time by using paid tools etc.

BiggerPockets website is good for the American market (mostly) but you will also find lots of Canadians on here and some good info on the Canadian market just by searching.There are worthwhile local West Coast resources for learning real estate investing in general and the Canadian and Vancouver markets in particular.

Others have little/no experience and will give you bad advice that takes you down the wrong path.I recommend you focus on educating yourself while saving more money. 

I'm not sure if I can share his info here, but I'd be happy to share his info along with some other recommendations.  

@Tobi Isaacs  Third Federal Savings and Loan.

Some facts/info you may already know but if not:1) You assume the loan from the servicing bank, meaning you will work directly with the servicing bank.You assume the loan amount, but still need to come up with the difference of the VA loan amount and the sales price, in your case 172K. 2) No one will finance the entire remaining 172K amount.

I would love to benefit from the savings of grouping the listings as a primary with add-ons, but the last time I tried that, there were multiple issues on their end.

@Ryan Cousins it's really going to depend on YOUR analysis/projections of what you think the property will be worth in the future.You'll want to compare that to any capital gains tax-savings if you sell now.

I did save some money to have as back up.

I currently am a resident here (so distance is non-factor) and I possess some handy skills that could save renovation costs (besides HVAC, structural issues, plumbing, electrical work).