David, Send us a Private Message and we can schedule a call to see if you fit the group. 

I’m also open to exploring short-term rentals, private lending, or passive investing in funds—anything that maximizes returns while keeping risk and time commitments manageable.For context, I’d consider leaving my job if this could become a full-time venture that surpasses my current compensation (low-mid six figures).

and the property had a private dwelling value appraisal much higher than the public property appraiser claims. 

It's not difficult (shouldn't take long) to get flood insurance quotes (NFIP & private) if you work with a good agent.

When my business partner and I were still flipping we bought a couple through Auction.com and we always used a private money lender to fund those and our other flips. 

For short-term gains, options like private lending, where your IRA acts as the lender, can provide consistent returns through interest payments.

Here are some rules:  https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/roth-ira-withdrawal-rules#:~:text=Contributions%20can%20be%20withdrawn%20from,made%20without%20taxes%20or%20penalties.I agree that you shouldn't let the tax implications be the main driver of your decisions, but you do want to be aware of the potential tax implications because Uncle Sam will want his money.

If you’re interested in exchanging further insights on best practices or have specific questions about structuring a VA program, feel free to send me a private message.Good luck with ramping up your direct-to-seller leads!

@Geoff Engel If you don't want to be a landlord but still want to be involved with investing you could be a private money lender for flips or in partnerships and bring the money to the deal.

Some lenders offer creative solutions, like a cross-collateralized loan, where they use your existing equity as security without refinancing the duplex.Another idea is partnering with private lenders or exploring a second-position mortgage, depending on your lender's terms.