Paid out-of-pocket in payments and completed a Quit Claim Deed, plan to build another small rental on the same property.

In the process of building momentum currently.

At the VA website, it clearly states that:VA home loans can be used to Build a homeSimultaneously purchase and improve a homehttp://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/purchaseco_eligibility.aspThat being said, we're on the hunt for lenders that offer VA Rehab loans, i.e. the second on that list.  

Work on building credit, increasing your income.

Other reasons for denial involve other risk factors, such as, 1. rental history and prior landlord verification 2. credit score3. employment history and verification4. income v. rent ratioetc. 

Once you start networking with agents, lenders, and investors, you will learn WAY more and start to build a network surrounding your goals.

I'm starting out in wholesaling and I'm finding myself in this pickle of.... do I go and find a seller first or build my buyer's list first?

Take into account the travel time, phone / video time, mistakes along with all the other economic factors.

As a Broker in the investment space you can work remotely and build your own schedule.

But 2-4 units is Chicago is extremely complex with 100+ year old buildings, Chicago zoning, department of buildings with violations and inspections, plus the RLTO.