With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

If you are return-driven, I would suggest investing in start-up companies, like tech businesses, etc.

Keep it simple, paint and carpet, buy a good house in a quality area.

Any suggestions on where to look other than the facebook outreach I've been doing?

We are interested in using the equity for a real estate investment, and are looking for ideas, suggestions, or investors in similar situations.

I’d suggest keeping an eye on the MBS market, as suggested by others, and possibly speaking with a few lenders who specialize in VA loans when the timing is right.

The rehab expenses don't line up but they are not stealing, I would suggest having a zoom call or sit down with their PM or account manager to see what is not lining up and where you see issues compared to what they have on their sheet. 

Quote from @Aaron Raffaelli: As the title suggests, I am just starting to enter the REI world.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Thank you for the suggestion on MiniStays we'll check it out!