Also keep in mind the objective of government funded loans (specifically the VA) is to get former service members into home ownership.

If I were you I would look at both and buy based on, in which property category you could find better deals based on an objective return such as IRR. 

Property owners must be given the opportunity to object to the budget. 

If you end up in court, and if the other side's attorney is an experienced trial attorney, they will object if you try to testify about the before and after values of the property. 

If you don't have a RE license yourself, find an agent who knows something about RE investing and knows what you're looking for.The most important thing is to learn how to analyze a property to see if it meets your objectives. 

If money was no object, you would want to dig down and put a water proof house wrap on, but you would be surprised how much something as simple as plastic and rock fixes the problem. 

Don't overthink it - look , your objective is to meet other investors, build your network,  and find some people you can work with in the future.

Charge what you can and if she objects you may have to adjust your charges.

A friend of mine up your way is in court right now since the Realtors and the Illinois Department of Professional Registration are objecting to her using the term "Property Manager"on her web site.

I'm currently trying to branch into doing deals virtually to expand my horizons and I'm experiencing objection due to that fact that I do not currently live in the city that I am marketing to.