Approached multiple real estate agents in my market with the attempt of understanding pocket deals and to make offers on distressed on-market properties they have listed on the MLS.

Maybe in a Market where housing is less expensive.

This would mainly depend on the market as you said.

But what really makes Reston Virginia such an interesting investment is the meteoric rise of the Reston Town Center, and its recent office market outperformance.

In today's market I wouldn't touch one unless you can get 8%.  

Wholesaling is NOT investing, it’s a sales job or marketing business4.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

Since your situation hasn’t changed much, you should be able to qualify without relying on your house hacking income, especially if you qualified initially without it.

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.

After a lot of research it doesn’t seem like single family investing is very lucrative, unless you score a killer off-market deal.