But I still would not let potential renters in without someone there.

I'm trying to analyze a potential flips in Newark, Ca (East Bay in general).

Your VA loan will be crucial to your real estate investing growth, especially since it affords you the potential opportunity to own more than one property, depending on your overall allotment.For active military personnel, that conundrum of where to invest and where you will end up is always part of the issue that sometimes causes analysis paralysis so it's great you have one in VA Beach already.

What are the best methods for finding potential properties outside of the MLS?

I'd focus on deciding what you want to do (flip-high risk, but potentially high return...or large loss; short term rental-more work, but higher return than long term rental; long term rental-less work than the other two, but lower return).Once you've decided which you want to do, then focus on getting the best house to meet your goal. 

THEN, I plan to purchase the second home using a FHA or conventional loan (3%-5% down), for which I will likely pay the monthly cost out-of-pocket, maybe with some rental income support if it is a duplex.My concern is, I do not want to spend my savings or weigh down my debt-to-income ratio so much so that I cannot qualify for and pay the down payment and closing for the lending on the second home.Questions: - With the first home being multi-family, 75% of the rental income (or potential rental income initially) will relatively either maintain or boost my debt-to-income ratio from lenders' perspectives, right? 

@Jadan WilliamsIf I were in your shoes, I’d start by clearly defining my investment goals and identifying target markets with strong job growth, population increases, and development potential.

We are always look to help investors and potentially partner on some flips.Wow small world.

I have them tell me how long a project will take to complete, and then I add buffer days or maybe up to 2 weeks, depending on how long / complex of a project it is and potentially accounting for weather if it is outside work.

If they qualify as tenants, you might need to honor tenant rights or negotiate a settlement to vacate.Market Potential: A two-family home and a single-family unit could be a great income-generating property post-rehab or resolution.