it's a good way to be instead of being a miserable A-hole

You should spend any of the precious moments doing what you don't enjoy doing.That is how most of the world get stuck in the vicious cycle of doing a job they hate, wishing for the weekend or the miserable 2 weeks vacation a year... then back to do it all over again and wait for next year.

After i got my first house under contract I flew down personally to view it, it failed inspection miserably and we pulled out. while I was there looked at several more properties one of which I ended up purchasing.  

You might want to get the loan before leaving the military ESPECIALLY if the field your husband starts working in is different than what they were doing before.Lenders typically will look at leaving a company to move up in the same field somewhere else as okay but if you change occupations completely they like to see 1 to 2 years of stability before giving a loan.Someone might be a great car salesman but then try being a chef and fail miserably at it so the lenders like to see a track record of success in the chosen field.With VA it might be different and things might have changed since I did residential 10 years ago.

If you are looking for a contractor that specializes in tile, ask the local tile shop.As a general contractor, this year I have tried doing all of the work in-house without subcontractors but failed miserably at the task.

Needless to say, I failed miserably and lost money due to my monthly fees.

They are building my retirement / legacy for me.It is a shame more folks don't think like you.Now on the flip side I have the horrible tenants as well.Tentants = Part of my team = My retirement = treat  all people  the way you want to be treated= its much easier tot deal with happy folks instead of miserable folks.Happy easter 'Alex

I started out  thinking I could flip houses and failed miserably.

Don't be a motivate buyer, stick to your offer, if they don't like it they can counter offer.Remember it is you who are willing to take over the responsibility of that property, it is you who will suffer with tenants, taxes, repairs, mortgage payments, housing inspectors and all the other stuff that makes our life miserable as investors.If he does not like your offer, change the terms; 100% owner financing, delayed settlement with right of possession.Subject to and contingent on flipping the property before settlementMake an Hybrid Offer; this keeps the seller in the profit loopOffer low, assign low and do it oftenDon't forget the golden rule, he who has the gold makes the rulesIf he doesn't like your offer, too bad, you offer is one that should satisfy your profit position.

It's miserable.