I can't speak to NJ, but I know right out of the gate in NYC most multifamily sellers are averse to accepting a low downpayment offer (especially FHA).

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I am based in London, UK, so understand this blog does not have plenty of resources for the UK market.

Are there any resources (books, etc) you recommend to learn more in depth about this topic?

Hello,We've received an offer on our flip, and it's a VA loan offer, which is a bit new for us.

Talk to them about the house they have, but also offer to meet for coffee and let them know you are actively looking and ask how you can get on their list.Attend meetups and REIA meetings.  

And in the STR game, reviews are pretty much everything.Assuming you have the hot tub up and running smoothly though, I'd also take some time to focus on what cold weather amenities you can offer to guests to entice them to visit during the colder months when ADR's drop and occupancy falls off a cliff. 

So we want to make an offer on a house in our target area but it has brown stained walls and popcorn ceiling and a sting odor of smoke.

To list on the MLS, you will need a POA signed by the seller, which states that you can sign on behalf of the owner for listing documents and offers, as well as a signed purchase and sale agreement with an assignability and marketing clause."

Ask for data on these items.Turnkey providers sell you a property out of their inventory—inquire about the guarantees or warranties that are offered.