I am wanted to know what some of you have done to possibly unofficially/officially employ these guys to help me drive streets, look for properties that are distress or fit my criteria from the curb in my farm area, and take addresses for me to later contact after scrubbing through them at home.Ideas so far: just feeling this out with several high school/college age friends my wife and I know, a general consensus is that most would be happy to do this for just a full take of gas and if we land a deal they get a cut/flat rate.

You can check the official site here: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_loan_limits.aspMy best advice would be to talk to a lender that's well versed in VA loans.

You may be able to avoid this by placing them out on Friday evenings and picking them back up on Sunday evenings, as code enforcement officials will likely be off duty for the weekend.

3) If I sell the place, but still pay the mortgage in this wrap around strategy, am I officially off the hook tax-wise?

I thought I'd officially introduce myself.  

Hi, Xuan-Thy (XT) Bui.Welcome to BiggerPockets (officially)!

On this topic, they have a clear stance.This has already been covered, years ago, by an official Advisory Opinion.

I have not gotten a official inspection yet, but based on my inspection of the house it needs the following, heat/air unit, appliances, some flooring(laminate is torn). 

The mortgage company will do a flood search officially, called a flood certification, but here's a site to DIY search: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

I'm officially an investor!