I have access to capital and a strong knowledge of residential (as well as other types) construction.I'm from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (which is just south of the capitol city of Harrisburg).Would welcome any suggestions for finding deals. 

I’ll have easy access to new listings, market reports, email alerts that I can customize.

I have a tenant from hell who will go to any length to prevent access to the property. 

Instead, I would like to make improvements to the property and flip the contract to a new buyer for more than my cost to purchase and cost of improvements. 

The value of the property would be considerably improved so getting a mortgage to recoup the $150k I think would be very realistic. 

Your adjusted cost basis is the purchase price of $385 +the improvements of $30 -depreciation (maybe $10k ish).  

Just depends on access with a concrete truck.

I would recommend Jhomar Home Improvement or Imperial Kithen & Bath.

My husband is in the reserves and has access to VA loan benefits, is anyone familiar with this and know whether or not the VA loan would allow us to purchase an entire duplex rather than just a home?

If you invest capital gains in these zones then you can defer the gain until 12/31/26.Also if you invest in these zones before 12/31/19 and hold the investment for 7 years you do not record pay gains on the appreciation of the asset.The main criterion other than being in designated areas is that you have to either be the first user of the property or substantially improve the property.