At my office, Keller Williams Classic Properties in Columbus, we've been discussing on how to make your self competitive when your not buying with cash in this hot sellers market.

Since VA loans can't be used outright for nonowner-occupied properties, the most obvious answer is to use an investor loan (classically 20%+ down) to buy a less expensive property in MD, and save your [awesome] VA loan for a property out here once you move back.

Read some classics, as well, such as Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill or The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason. 

Having the appraisal is better backup for audit purposes, if you really want to cover yourself.This holds on other assets also, like a long held stock portfolio, lots of capital gain in a business or classic cars, artwork... so generally when anyone has the chance to inherit, it's usually better to inherit directly, rather than to let the probate sell everything and distribute cash. 

Other obstacles are the classic financing but you'll be surprised how you will be able to find money if you have a good opportunity for others to invest in.

(I was a classically trained French Chef for 16 years before I became a CPA)Jim Kennedy CPA

Another example is, new owner collects classic cars and has five or six on the property.

Classic trick of the trade, at least in my area where we're dictated regulated by strict cities, on top of entities like the Coastal Commission.Anyhow, yeah, it may be worth passing on if you aren't ready to dump money into it, good job vetting it out though!

This is a classic problem related to available time versus available money, and how people use each resource.

Henry,This is a classic problem in fha lending.