Average cap rates across the country have halved in the past 25 years.

You can make a new lease with that tenant proposing a rent raise anywhere from $300-500 but you have to be able to justify it (maybe the property doesn't have central AC, maybe you're planning to do some other type of updating but that can be hard when they're physically living there still if its a bathroom or kitchen) and I would also make it so that that rent increase would go up after 60 days of them signing and agreeing to that new lease. 

But I got really frustrated with developer who was unresponsive and lazy, unable to deliver quality results on timely schedule as agreed, so I fired her and decided to try Grumpyhare.com.

I agree with the posts above, save money and make yourself someone people want to lend to.  35% equity with no money in your pocket isn't a good deal for a lender.  35% equity on top of a 25% down payment with 6 mo of reserves in your pocket is probably a much better deal for a lender. 

I agree with other responses here, and to piggyback on them it seems everyone plans to 'own forever' when they sign a 30 year lease or finance term, and then things change (job, relationship, life events, etc) and folks try to sell the property with 25-28 years left.Banks do not look at power bills when determining DTI, but they will look at a solar loan/lease. 

Agree with Jonathan!

You are in a great spot to re-start your journey, especially with the help of your VA benefits and service to your country.

Meetups + books + podcasts are the way to go, but meetups are the most crucial to your confidence level and to know people like you do this every day.I agree with @Nathan Gesner on the heads up, when you say you are new and want help, everyone has a pitch, that's why meetups are so good - most have no pitch, just networking, unless it's run by a hard money lender.I have a couple friends who invest in the Lehigh Valley that I can connect you with when the time comes.

If I do this, agree probably best to go with an experienced expediter with a proven track record.

We have had a couple evictions and I agree that the model is not the best for property owners.