I have access to capital and a strong knowledge of residential (as well as other types) construction.I'm from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (which is just south of the capitol city of Harrisburg).Would welcome any suggestions for finding deals. 

I’ll have easy access to new listings, market reports, email alerts that I can customize.

I have a tenant from hell who will go to any length to prevent access to the property. 

So that would be the first stop, so you can get a realistic sense of what you can afford and what you might need to do to afford more, if you need to (e.g., pay down debt).Good luck, welcome to Bigger Pockets, and let us know as you have more specific questions along the way of course!

Just depends on access with a concrete truck.

You found a tenant immediately after she stopped paying rent because you presumably advertised the unit before the time she paid for was up. 

My husband is in the reserves and has access to VA loan benefits, is anyone familiar with this and know whether or not the VA loan would allow us to purchase an entire duplex rather than just a home?

If both properties have full access on their portion, without a need to utilize the other half, then there is no need for a shared driveway easement/agreement. 

You want to take a high dive into a shark tank with your feet in concrete shoes and a bleeding beef roast strapped to your back.What's stopping you from getting on Amazon.com and buying a dozen books on wholesaling?

Easy access tho' to just about everything in the city.