I have sceen and known about people who can cross the busiest high speed highways without getting creamed by a fast moving vehicle but just because there are others that do it does not mean I am going to try it. 

What marketing vehicle did you use to find your initial contact (the one that referred you to the lottery winner)?

You can also click on the little dots on the crime map and it will state what happened i.e. shots fired, trouble with subject, theft, vehicle stolen, burglary etc along with a date.Also, the boundaries of these maps are somewhat fluid.

Neighbors claim that there were  several men who would come to the property for 10-15 mins and park the vehicles a bit away from property.

In that case, its more like a vehicle with title..

VA is a great vehicle, but you have to occupy the place for 2 years, limiting your mobility / number of deals / options. 

Real estate is a good vehicle for that because there are so many avenues to choose from.

@Shea Davidson so are there companies that offer notes and servicIng as an investment vehicle?

However, I am in real need of a new vehicle and up to this point I have had an aversion to paying a car payment as it is a depreciating asset.

Analyze and optimize your personal finances, and invest in less capital intensive vehicles (index funds, blue chip dividend stocks, bonds) to save up for a bigger down payment.