This deal was financing using a hard money loan.

You can likely get a loan with either 3.5%or 5% down payment.

Have done tons of research into taking loans etc, but probably settling on getting 20% DP and 6 months worth of monthly costs (maintenance/mortgage/utilities).Started looking to my state laws and saw I need 3 years experience to even get a MN broker license and was wondering how I should go about that.Does that mean I have to sell houses or is there a way to become an employee under an existing property manager?

The long-term rental price can cover loan and related cost when we purchased it 8 years ago. 

I’m buying a house and assuming a VA loan for it from a veteran.

Begin by learning from key books, online classes, joining groups that talk about real estate, understanding different ways to invest, and knowing how to look at finances and market trends.

I assume you have been using your VA loan? 

While still allowing you to reap all of the benefits of real estate ownership including not just a return, but also capital appreciation, depreciation, and amortization of the loan (if you have one).This kind of transition is exactly what 1031 exchanges are designed for.

Look into ways to pay, like special loans, teaming up, or using home equity.

That is why I am considering the option #2 where I get a local PM company to make the transition and then after some time move to an online app.