As a person who has lived in NC & SC and Phoenix, I would highly suggest AZ.

I received the tenant's contact information from the PM and found a plumber who was willing to go the same day.

Who gets blamed for and/or has to handle the following unique to nonfamily roommates:1) Missing personal possessions?

Even if I do exact same thing I will have two houses instead of one to pay loan back.

I recently seperated from active duty went guard and my partner who is active duty and I are trying to combine our VA entitlements as we did previously and co-signed on our previous loan.

And they will get their payment from the buyer.  

Your realtor will be able to give you a much more detailed market specific answer but with house hacking and a VA loan it should be possible to get 0 out of pocket.

Which do you think will be more competitive, buying from wholesalers or your own referrals?

Hello Kushaal, Are you currently with your Broker who is MLS only?

This will clarify and reinforce what you are reading.