Method of choice was looking for potential properties online using redfin then when I had run simple numbers I would drive by each property and its neighborhood and if it was worth pursuing, I would schedule to see the property through the selling agent.

Usually agencies mark up the VA costs significantly.

If not some free methods are using truepeoplesearch or cyberbackgroundchecks.com

Congrats and knock out that extra debt you accumulated so you can save up for STR #2!

What methods do you use to streamline your process? 

This is the kiss of death shows up. 

Although things will change this year, between HELOCs, 1031 Exchanges, and a Business Partnership, I'm up to 15 doors (including my personal residence) and I haven't done a down payment since 2015.

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

I am sure there are people who did it, even on this forum I saw posts by multiple users who claimed that they were successful doing this method.

This method typically provides an accurate, data-driven view before deciding to move forward with a property.