There are a lot of us floating around BiggerPockets and some other communities.The VA house hack is one of my favorite strategies for new real estate investors, and I absolutely commend you for looking into it!

You got in the game and now your taking a constructive look at how to improve, its what the professional in every profession do - Sports - business - entertainment- Parenting !!

Regarding sources for deals one of my favorite sayings is "Everything works somewhere, Nothing works everywhere" There are many ways to find deals, do a search here and you should find many posts on the topic. 

My favorite books:Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon HillHow to win friends and influence people in the Digital Age by Dale CarnegieRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiThe Introvert Entrepreneur by Beth L.

At the end of the podcast they ask guest what are their favorite books.

@Ben Zelenka One of my favorite books.

No sporting events, concerts really happening.

The Richest Man in Babylon, What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow, and The 4-Hour Work Week are some of my favorites. 

@Kris RudgeI would try your local banks, or my favorite option ask the seller for a land contract short term.

A light cosmetic touch up might be decent for $10k, e.g. replace carpets, paint, etc.Some of my favorites: "The chimney for the garage has been removed.