My current job only leaves me with time during the weekends, but my partner and I are doing everything we can to slowly make contacts and get ourselves out there.

Once someone has completed a year, successfully, I'm not really worried about locking them in for another term - if they want to leave, I'm good with it.

Although if there is a restraining order in place that may throw a monkey wrench into the situation.Perhaps ask the Father to leave and see his reaction?

They see other people looking at same house and it drives a sense of urgency for them to apply right away.I charge a $40 application fee and then run background checks at www.residentresearch.com for $26.00Charge a higher deposit than one months rent so that they are encouraged to pay last months rent and leave place clean at end of lease so that they get deposit back.

Do you keep it short or do you leave a message explaining your business (cash buyer, can close fast etc.) ? 

But I plan to leave and start doing real estate full time once I accumulate enough from this job.

In that case after 12 months you can change the VA over to a conventional loan, this leaves you clear to then take your full VA loan benefits and get another 4-plex (only if you Owner/Occupy).

However, I am worried that the only way I can secure financing for any type of flip would be dependent upon the salary that my corporate job (which I am desperately trying to leave) provides me. 

A balloon mortgage that does not fully amortize over the term of the note, leaving a balance due at maturity, so placing those extra investments (7,000 extra payment) in a better place would be more beneficial for you.

I’ve bought a rental for about that much all in but then doesn’t leave any reserves.