If you do not have the capital then you should consider partnering (Joint Venture or Syndication) with someone who does.

By the end of the year, I also plan to venture into some fix-and-flip projects in Central Ohio, further building my experience and portfolio (God willing). 

But yes, everyone must start somewhere and I'd venture to say Tax Liens is a tricky one.

Is using a self-direct IRA to fund this venture a way to defer taxes until retirement ?

I'm particularly interested in:Finding Mentors: Connecting with seasoned investors who can offer guidance and insights.Networking with Professionals: Meeting real estate agents, lenders, contractors, and other professionals who can contribute to successful deals.Exploring Joint Venture Opportunities: Collaborating with other investors on potential projects.Learning About Local Market Trends: Gaining a deeper understanding of the real estate dynamics in these areas.I'm open to attending local real estate meetups or cash flow groups.

Cheers to your new venture!

Key Steps Before ProceedingContact the Loan Servicer: They will guide you through the assumption process and confirm whether an entity can participate.Consult an Attorney: If you’re considering title transfers or joint ventures, an attorney familiar with VA loans can help you navigate potential risks.Understand Due-On-Sale Clauses: Ensure any post-assumption changes comply with the loan terms to avoid triggering repayment demands.Final ThoughtsVA loans are a unique and valuable financing tool, but the program’s focus on personal borrowers makes entity-based assumptions unlikely.

MOST transaction aren’t BELOW market, although I’d venture that 85% of those buyers BELIEVE they’re purchasing real property at a discount.  

Kudos to him for doing it, but his rules and his dogmatic approach is also the same thing that made Open Door Capital a horrible venture because they skip over being pragmatic.

I would venture a guess that many investors believe that agents who cover the same territory are competitors, however as I'm sure you are aware that there is more success in collaboration as agents than competition.