I was eventually able to get them started cash flowing again after replacing the tenants, but it took a lot of time, effort, and cash reserves to do that. 

As that pilot program expands and eventually goes Service wide there may be some additional complications for you.

And with a good drain pan, when they eventually leak, you won't get a bunch of damage to the home.

I have not invested yet because I am still raising capital but I will eventually. 

Given that you clearly have a good grasp of the mechanics, I agree that if the value is peaking and you'd eventually just have to re-buy the property from the government, holding on to it long-term is maybe not the best course.

(We will be stationed here for a couple more years.)Eventually my goal is to have several rentals to keep a steady cash flow going and to do flips on the side.

I know I'll find my team eventually, but for now I'm doing it the worst way, and so far, I have been my team.

Not sure quite what that number is for me but having a recession coming eventually and people.

Wouldn't you rather control and eventually own 1000k of real estate rather than 250k outright?

Maybe that was just a way high bid, but the maintenance and extra liability insurance ended up being cheaper over the near term, and since you may want to flip it eventually, it may be wise to keep it.