But we also seek to understand and collaborate.

Only thing better would be initial deposit and then paid in full upon Certificate of Occupancy and punchlist complete.Of course, standard items should also be checked: licensed, insured, willing and able to pull all required permits, reference checks.I would also commonly avoid the cheapest bid you get.  

So I'm strongly considering adding a handful of these to my buy & hold portfolio.I understand that there's no "risk-free" method to acquiring these properties subto, but have any of you had success over the long-term acquiring properties with VA loans attached?

Look into local rental demand—perhaps that area can support a short-term or mid-term rental strategy instead of a standard yearly lease, which might boost your income.

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

I understand your hesitation in dealing with another TK operator, but not all operators are created equal.

It sounds like you are missing a conversation with the tenant to understand the situation.

I wish I hadn’t because I didn’t understand the necessary “accumulation phase” of REI and wealth building.

so - i don't understand how a deal like this is going to help you advance your goals. 

You'll want a title company/closing attorney who understands how to do this correctly.