Unfortunately, that's when we found out that speed on my end doesn't really gain you a lot of advantage with the VA. 

My initial plan is to get the extra cash I need for building more reserves and down payments by flipping/wholesaling, which I still want to do in order to speed things up.

you're a success in the making at least you took action and you learned a few things in the process you didn't back down your confidence should be at an all time high and feel good about yourself cause your next deal you get under contract it's a win win God speed

Trying to get back up to speed!

It is a bit easier to define and work on a niche in residential properties.I personally wouldn't focus on the speed of acquiring the money,  and place more of the focus on the consistancy of earning money.

Wishing all speed to you with your goals and dreams my friend.

Great question, I myself am starting over in new market and trying to get up to speed quickly.  

If, however, this person turns out to have little more than speeding tickets in his past, it's probable he got ripped off too.

And - really shaking my head on this one - why would you NOT be looking at notes and other types of investments that could not only be something for your money to do while waiting for their next outing as a down-payment on a rental but could actually speed you to that destination by growing your money pretty predictably?

So I'm doing what I can to get up to speed now!