I always find it hard to take that step.

You’ve got the right mindset by wanting to learn, and this community is here to help you every step of the way!

Remember, if a deal is truly off market, you have an owner who knows they are able to sell and is choosing not to take the very simple step of listing it.  

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. 

Follow the step for the deposit-even if it is to send a registered letter to their last known address stating that the deposit was used for outstanding rent and whatever damages or cleaning was needed (itemize it). 

Hi, pre foreclosure in all of its permutations, before the bank sends Notice of Default (NOD) or efter which is state even county dependant but often starts a 4 week clock till the trustee auction are the 2nd most difficult deal scenario and IMHO only experienced investors should bother, the 1st most difficult deal scenario are bidding at the court house steps on lord only knows what is being auctioned off sometimes even 2nd mortgages, you need to do so much home work to attempt to reduce your risk at the court house steps...Pre foreclosure no one talks about these issues, always about the nice sounding stuff like "motivated seller" get a good deal etc etc both are usually not the case.- 95% of folks in pre or post NOD want to stay in their house, keep their house inspite of them 100% will loose the house at the auction. 

But i would dig into extra insurance and steps to make sure I limit my liability. 

Also what steps should be taken to find a VA position?

Seeing your intro is a breath of fresh air.. what's your next step in building a strong investment network?

Next Step: With with sparkies quote, I'd get that quote over to sellers and with an amendment all written up ready for there signing giving me a credit at closing for exactly that amount.