And $450 for a 1/1 side of a duplex is not expensive.So much conflicting advice here!

Continuing to obtain “OPM” as Kiyosaki says also makes the argument less relevant to some extent; as we aren’t simply trying to out-save or reduce expenses to zero—- that mindset is fine but it begins to conflict with the principles of intelligent utilization of leverage IMO.

Legally they have no right to contact the owner directly.... if the tenant insists they do, have them cite the legal ruling...The big issue is "how do you resolve the conflict"?

Complete conflict of interest.

I've heard conflicting stories on whether or not you have to refinance the old VA loan into a conventional before buying the new property with the VA loan, again. 

Brandon, Welcome to BP.Yes --going to local REI club meetings --but more important --find New Yourk Investors group here in BP and talk or meet with few.Go to search and read all articles --forums about Wholesaling --specifically Justins article on Wholesaling Costs Estimate --and my Comments --as far as Rehab cost estimates and what Rehabber pay for --check Jason Scott's posts here in BP and his website --You may have to leave your job--Conflict of Interest --make sure not to burn bridges.

Granted, this can be a learning experience about how to harden rentals properly, but it often creates all kinds of nostalgic sentiments that can flare up into conflicts with the tenants.The usual scenario is that the tenants move in, live as tenants do, and the newbie landlords go back in and find delicate stuff, or meaningful stuff, or stuff that they didn't even know was meaningful to them damaged or painted over or disrespected in some way, and then the newbie landlords get in this forum and moan about how tenants just don't respect their landlord's property, and they get ten other newbies commiserating and telling them that yes, yes, yes, they're right, and their tenants are bad, bad, bad...and of course this can lead to all kinds of poor decisions.

This is truer if Ukraine conflict lasts for too long.

- Would any conflicts of interest arise with the brokerage if I told them I wanted to do my own thing on the side?

If you buy turnkey you are at a conflict of interest with the seller as they are trying to max out their profit, and you have no one in your corner, especially if you are new to the game.