30 yr mortgage with VA How did you add value to the deal?

Patience can be your best friend and if you attempt to over leverage a property it can come back to hurt you.Some will recommend buying subject 2 where you could take over an existing mortgage that could be at a substantially lower rate - but if the lender finds out and calls the loan that could also be very bad.

Having said that, the federal government put a restriction on buying houses if you don't live here. 

I agree with the others who have commented.

You might benefit from using the agent finder in BiggerPockets

Here are the steps you need to take AFTER receiving the contractors response to the above1.

Glad to have you on the forum, Chad!

@Noah Schulz what does the lease state about payment and what period the payments cover?

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

Quote from @Abigail King: @Jonathan Klemm Thanks for the info!