Apparently Keller Williams Agency has a relationship with MyOutDesk so the VA's do have some real estate exposure through the course of their regular work, vs. having to train them from the ground up.

The allowance for monthly routine maintenance is 6%(All good), What's the budget for Capex? 

Track everything you do and view that regularly so you can tell what you can do to earn more income and reduce expenses.

I've been getting into the habit of watching podcasts & reading blog posts on a regular basis.I'm still very green and it won't be a for a few years before I actually decide to start my real estate investing journey.  

I'm almost considering option 3, just put a regular door lock that I then replace it before closing (leaving it clear to buyers that the lock is NOT included).

I do all of our marketing in office, I own a call center that takes calls for other investors, and I regularly close/am involved in deals.

Clients I rep that have holding portfolios in excess of 5 mil/25 units are routinely contacted by lenders who have "deals" on rates or who are looking to lend in specific areas.  

Can anyone chime in on their experience with a tenant occupied public auction, where they may be paying rent regularly to the owner, but the owner let it go to foreclosure?

Then you could claim the rest of the flips each year as dividends & just pay regular income tax (~30-35%).

Also, you need to consider the city of Austin short term rental code compliance if you are doing it regularly.