Are houses appreciating?

I’m currently renovating my house and turning it into my first rental.

The entire house is furnished with all utilities included.

It is a semi-attached row house that I live in.

Personally, I would look to buy that kind of property and house hack it - meaning you live in one unit and rent the other 3-4 units out.

So the house wound up needing the drywall, kitchen, bathroom, roof to the garage, Plumbing, Gas and other stuff done. 

Let's say 3 young single guys want to buy investment triplex.  5 years later your credit is all tied up in that triplex so when one of your partners gets married and has kids and his wife wants to buy a house for the family, they can't do it, because his name is on that investment mortgage. 

I am looking to use a VA loan to get a house but want to purchase a rental property and get started on getting cashflow.

I've done some research and see some suggesting randomly showing up at the house (don't want to do that) or sending a letter/mailer (those things are usually thrown out).

I have opportunities in NC for houses that are all-in around 75-100k, ARV 125K and rent for around $1200.