There are so many players in the condo space, it will come down where you are located.  

If we are able to get this deal it will be our first one, so we are testing out what we are capable of and what works for us. 

Good luck finding anyone capable of building new construction Cape Code for under $200 per SF.

I'm a Division 1 college baseball player at the moment, but Real Estate investing is also a passion of mine.

They got luckyJust like a rockstar, yes, they had lots of skill (just like a guitar player/singer/songwriter who worked really hard), but for every wholesaler with lots of skill who made it, 10,000+ didn't (and it was not for any lack of trying, effort, or consistency).

Ideally, I am looking for someone capable of working through a gut rehab (including new plumbing/electrical/drywall as needed) and has outstanding integrity and professionalism.

NPR hating on landlords is hating the players not the game. 

Are the big players best?

In addition, since you have VA loan capabilities, you now have the ability to househack with a VA and FHA simultaneously.

Understand the tenant’s financial strength to ensure they are sufficiently capitalized and capable of fulfilling their lease obligations.