As the investor gains experience, they are not only able to more successfully foresee the “bumps” along the way, able to handle recessions, temporary negative cash flow, unforeseen capital expenditures without panicking, but will also recognize the opportunities necessary to turn a loss into a break even.

Nobody ever went broke over a duplex, I know this now,  but I have to admit I had some serious doubts about this when I started 16 years ago, I bought every course I could find, already on CD's, this was post cassette tapes lol, and I paid RichDad Education for a one year coaching program (turned out my coach was a girl in a call center without any actual experience). 

Figure out a question set that helps dive into their expertise as investor-friendly agents, ask about their experience in the investment real estate space, and have them send you a few properties that could meet your goals to show that they can provide quality properties for your to analyze (hint: this is also good to see if they overpromised on their market [ex - Raleigh for cash flow]).Also with the new lawsuit, any agent that knows what they're doing will require you to sign an agency agreement prior to viewing a home.

I look forward to reading more of your experiences.  

At this time the primary goal is passive income and then scale within 5 years as I gain more experience and network. 

Share your experience with DSCR's Below 

I have referred my CPA to several others and everyone has had a positive experience.

This experience proves that even with challenges, strategic renovations and persistence can lead to a profitable outcome.

What can be done or does anyone have any experience using a VA loan after separating recently?

Best of luck with everything it seems you have the experience and workmanship needed to be successful!