Are their listings detailed with good-quality photos?

The biggest thing to me is buying in quality areas that will increase in value over time.

There have been a few comments along the lines of "new homes aren't built with the same quality as old homes".

Are their listings detailed with good-quality photos?

My advice would be to partner with someone who has additional funds so you can buy something that is of quality. $8k won't get you anything in a class B or A market with 20% down or even 10% down. keep going though!

I doubt he'll be able to quality for a loan (VA) with just his income. 

I think it’s hard to have enough cash flow to hire a full time, quality manager who actually allows you to be completely hands off when you only own one laundromat.

Appreciation is a real thing and not only this the demand for quality low-income housing is real. 

I would say high-quality bedding, cozy outdoor spaces with firepits or seating, and thoughtful touches like local coffee bar setups.

If you put down an earnest deposit, you might lose out on that if you decide to back out(potentially). look at the agreement.The more important thing is, do you quality for conventional financing?