However I want to practice real estate investing and make side income.

It simply takes practice.

Plus...escape velocity...Episode 113 – Jay Papasan - Very practical slow and steady adviceEpisode 221 - Tim Shiner - his concept of equity build up and "shearing the sheep" shows some of the flexibility of real estate vs a 401k Last but not least, I also recommend all the tax advice given by my fellow CPAs on the BP Podcast.

You're right that I'm leaving money on the table, but in practice it doesn't matter because there are more of the deals I want to do than I have time to do anyway.

It’s a uethIcal business practice to jack people around and it’s a reason why today a handshake is worthless and courtesy is tossed out the window .

@Mike Cumbie, posting the notice is a great idea, and I'll probably apply that practice if I'm going by the property anyway. 

Very common practice .

The practice here will transfer easily, and serve you well wherever you are.Take advantage of the VA financing to buy a minor fixer you can live in, and fix up until you are ready to move. 

I'm going to be honest so I can paint the picture as to where I am as a new investor: I've marketed for buyers, practiced calculating ARV numbers so see how that works, and have searched for properties. 

@Jordan Blackwell as you and some of the responders mentioned hypothecation is probably closest to what you're getting at though the practicality of successfully doing so is likely far less than BRRRing with real property.