I'm a full-time musician and a long-time real estate investor (always done it part time),  I've owned a few student rentals, a duplex, a single family and I've always always rented out my basement wherever I've lived.  

Having more amenities or allowing for laundry/storage without an additional charge has enabled me to get better quality tenants in my neighborhood compared to some of the other properties nearby. 

The whole idea of the VA loan is to enable military members and veterans to purchase a "modest", safe home for themselves and their families.  

Do any of you invest out of state, and if so, did you have a previous connection to the area that enabled you to confidently put your money down on a property?

I really want a 4-plex as a primary residence because it will enable me to basically live for free.

Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs; Making insurance available for both mortgages and home rehabilitation – HUD's Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage.

The spread enables me to get low or no cost insurance.Lastly, this isn't my personal example but my partner used notes to pay for the addition on his house.

By having the table next to the window in the kitchen it enables me to see and know when someone has arrived at the open house.

That will allow you to build up a network of contractors and suppliers that will enable to to address problems faster and more cost effectively.I would also recommend buying a home warranty program if you are planning to hold the property and make upgrades over time. 

What is preventing me from moving forward at the moment is the contractor part.For example. if the advice I receive is that in order to enable a good flip i would need to be very hands on and that contractors are hard to find , I would likely avoid a more aggressive project like a multi shell.I am looking to flip and hold the first property with the hopes of getting an attractive entry point for cash flow.