For bigger deals, you are looking to make improvements to the structure and management to increase the cap rate.

I am licking my wounds but ready to get back on the horse, I am really hopefully I can learn lots more on bigger pockets and try make another go at this on my own.I am hoping to get some advice on how to get back started looking for SFH or duplex. 

VRBO/HA is still bigger though.

We plan to leverage the Bigger Pockets Lease agreement. 

Welcome to Bigger Pockets, @Wayne Thurber!

There are plenty of book recommendations floating around bigger pockets (the millionaire real estate investor, bigger pockets books, etc...) . 

I'd rather put that premium money away now that I've learned about cap ex from Bigger Pockets.Now of course, this is just my experience so far, and there's probably much better companies out there, but I'd rather not spend on premiums that don't get me very much, if I don't have to.

With that being said, i known some people are doing work-arounds because I have never heard of the VA 11aAdditionally, the VA will want to know how this new residence is an improvement from your current home, i.e. bigger yard, larger house, better schools, closer work commute, etc.

Then 1031 exchange to a bigger property (more units).  

You can combine the illegal unit with another to make it legal and bigger.