There was one here local to me that was on the market for over 2 years before it sold at a significant discount.

Most Buyers don't even know that there is a public access portal to search local listings.

Connect with local wholesalers, partners, hardmoney lenders and DSCR lenders and familiarize yourself with real estate contracts.

A lot of times its real estate agents or investor/agent hybrids that build youtube channels for their local market and CRUSH it. like multiple deals a month.

- Network with local agents and investors, so you start getting first crack at new deals.If you can amp up the cashflow on the first duplex, you can use the extra cash to:- Pay down the mortgage, setting yourself up for a future refinance to free up your VA Entitlement.OR- For your next acquisition.One of your biggest challenges will to keep the cash flowing when you move out of a duplex.

I am a local Central Houston agent, investor and developer. 

Cash out refi will be tough due to the price, not sure if there is a local bank you can reach out for the financing.

For example, I know a lady in my local market that is very successful in the land business and has developed a niche that cashflows very nicely, without a lot of stress, as she puts it though I can't imagine how that is possible. 

They also have monthly meetings, site visits to fix-n-flips, some classes, etc.I'm happy to connect you into the local investing community. 

You'll want to talk to a local probate attorney to see how much time that could take.If the squatter is not making mortgage payments, you've got perhaps another month or two before the lender begins foreclosure proceedings.In your situation, I would approach the squatter to see inside the property to assess the condition.