More than likely current owner doesn't want current tenants to know property is in transition until last possible moment.

I've been a Mortgage Underwriter for 8 years and looking to transition into investing!

That said I think until the public transit situation gets fixed I think there could be limited growth. 

I will be moving to Scottsdale sometime later in 2017, but for now will be spending a few weeks at a time here and there transitioning my businesses and getting involved with potential rehabs & flips.I am looking to leave the hustle and bustle of New York to live a different quality of life (oh yeah and to hopefully never see snow again!)

We are in the resto biz transitioning into R/E eventually as well. 

I wound down my computer consulting business and transitioned over the next year to being a full time real estate investor.  

The first one ended up not working out and having the second one in place made it so much easier to make a transition.

I haven't set my focus in the areas to invest in yet but I will be looking into the nearby markets such upstate NY, NJ and PA, once I settle my mind in this transitioning period. 

He said hd/lowes can sometimes beat him on the carpet + install initial price, but where they get you is the "Specialty Items" like tack strips and transitions that aren't included and are grossly overpriced.

It is true that VA has a bit more of a strict criteria when financing loans, but when working with an experienced Realtor and mortgage Banker you should be able to get through the deal relatively smoothly.