There are other ways to determine rental amounts like researching in zillow and/or rentometer, which I typically reference.

It'll be easier to start with a turn-key property, but if you have a good contracting team, a value add will typically offer better returns. 

Whats a typical multiple for such asset?

Typically, higher income areas have lower crime, more amenities, better schools.  

The IRS views it as taxable income because it’s not being used for the purpose of deferring taxes under the 1031 rules.For example, if you sell a property and only use part of the proceeds for the next investment, the leftover amount (after paying transaction costs, etc.) is taxed.

This rule is good for the 30,000 foot view of running numbers on deals so you do not get bogged out with running those numbers on every single deal for example..

While I don’t typically work with real estate agents to find deals, I do collaborate with other professionals throughout the process.

Quote from @Michael Challenger: I have no qualms with hard money lending, but I need to learn more about the process and structure to these for typical deals so that I am more comfortable and in a position to reduce my personal risk and risk to investors as much as possible.

If you elect to use a VA loan, that typically means you don't plan to put any money down.

The only difference is the seller remains on title until we have enough equity to refinance or sell.3: Typically we don’t agree to balloons.