Use some of the available tools out there to run high level analysis and then once you have a short list you can start engaging property managers, do more manual research on the existing booking platforms and/or pay for more expensive data to fine tune your analysis.Best of luck!

You can, however, use a VA loan to refinance an existing rental home you once occupied as a primary home.

@Mitchell Litam , the existing lease runs with the property until it ends, however make sure to read your state's landlord tenant laws, so you know how you can make changes once it comes up for renewal, how much notice you have to give them, etc.Water/electric bills in their names is a matter for their current lease and your utility company's policies.

All of those expenses and risks that you mention exist at any time in any market.

You don't necessity need to have a pre-existing substantive relationship.  

Flippers only want to flip to make quick cash, find a buy and hold investor [look to existing landlords versus flippers].

are you refinancing the  existing mortgage or pulling cash out ? 

I also need to make sure that I honor existing leases for existing tenants.Any tips on my next steps in the process would be very appreciated.

Before we put a unit on the market, we usually give existing tenants an opportunity to move into the newly renovated units at the higher rent rate, if they can afford it, they often take us up on the offer and move into the nicer unit.

I would have him deed it over, reinstate his loan, and own it subject to his existing loan until you sell it.