@Michael Goddard Not a bad strategy. 

How good of a deal would be needed to make this strategy work? 

A VA can help you compile lists of potential wholesalers, manage follow-ups, and even track responses from your marketing efforts—freeing you up to focus on high-level strategy and deal analysis.Hope these ideas help!

I've been reading books and listening to various BP podcasts nonstop for the past couple months, but I'd love to hear thoughts about the right strategy for turning our war chest into a sound real estate portfolio (preferably before I'm too old to enjoy the fruits of our labor!).

The "big" firms like AA may get a lot of hype but they generally can't compete on the next level tax strategies (Family office type strategies) nor customer service as their employee turnover is quite high.  

Diversify and leverage the best strategy based on the specific deal.

Name ONE other strategy that can get you this.

Are you planning to house hack, or are you exploring other strategies?

I would decide on what strategy you like more.

I can't think of a worse investment strategy than lending unsecured loans to individuals who don't have funds to cover the deposits associated with real estate transactions.