This can usually be established with an investor qualification form. 

So, in multiple offer situations, you need to be willing to offer something that will entice the seller to take the extra risk (though usually very small) to accept your VA loan over one of the conventional loan offers on the table.

There are multiple companies that will assist with FSBO, usually they charge a small fee of $200-$500 and will get your property listed on all of the major sites plus MLS.

When the deal arrives, you will ONLY BUY DEALS THAT PENCIL OUT and the deal will pay for the HELOC, effectively negating the "second mortgage argument".  

Does the same usually apply for both?

I should add that I live in Canada, Montreal and 95% of the properties seem to have close to ZERO cash flow (often negative).

If the personal guarantee and they want to close down your location you got them usually.

How many usually attend?

As a non-owner occupant, if you don't have a flood insurance policy, you will only be offered SBA loans (based on eligibility/qualifying) unless some other special type of relief is created that is not part of the usual programmed relief.

I don't think seeking appreciation is purely speculation but seeking appreciation while having negative cash flow can be a dangerous game.