My questions are: - I’m leery of using the 70% rule on my first rehab/rental opportunity.

Currently I am interested in solving two problems - reducing the amount spent on settlement fees at closing and also discovering a flip opportunity in our area.  

Hey guys, I'm interested in looking in KC for investment opportunities for buy and hold SFR and multi-family. 

This will give you the opportunity to be sure you are making the right decision on your purchase.

You also won't receive 100% of the profits either but unless all of the money is coming out of your own pocket that will always be the case (unless you consider opportunity costs).  

Private and hard money is available everywhere, however finding connections in your local area may provide more peace of mind since you are more likely to have the opportunity to meet and connect with the lender in person.

If I end up with a bad investment, I'm more disposed to fix it, rather than unload it.About your second point, though, I'm intending to remain in this house and fully rent my next purchase.

I see some great opportunities in the area I'm looking at and want to get on it before another smart person realizes the potential. 

I have been looking and how the saying goes "If you give up you miss the opportunity you are about to find." and I found exactly what i was looking for here at BP. 

Spouse may qualify for VA loan, but generally shouldn't have changed his bank loan opportunity, as those are generally filed jointly.Generally PD application, or rather loan qualification based upon PD application is only after you are sworn in, and not any step before it.You will have to prove to the bank that you will have continued income to pay off the debt.