I just started to seek Private/hard money but want to make sure my refi is set in place.

Layering that on top of a heavy deal flow may become problematic if the syndicator is highly active in networking with potential investors.

Hi @Liz White - I'm sure you've discovered this information already, but I wanted to share it with you in case you haven't seen it (directly from the NC Real Estate Commission):"...requirements for an applicant who holds a current real estate license in another state (or U.S. territory or Canadian jurisdiction) that has been on active status within the previous three (3) years and that is equivalent to NC's provisional or "full" broker license." --- view the requirements here.

I would first try to decide between how active/passive you want to be and what your goals are for cash flow/appreciation.

I have gotten financing on a duplex that was going to owner occupied and had 2 active tenants.you just have to move in, I seem to recall within 30 days, but I haven't ever had anyone ever check in to see if we had moved in.Now for full disclosure, every time we have done an owner occupied loan, we have planned on and eventually moved in, and I would not commit fraud by taking out an owner occupied loan and never move in. 

I'm in Luray which is about 45 minutes or so away and I don't know of a whole lot of active investors here.

Perhaps join an activity to meet like minded people to expand your social circle.The most important thing though is to find a way to double your income.

There are regulations regarding advertising, pooling funds,Seek the advice of an attorney. 

I'm looking to learn from others that have taken the landlord approach on either SFH or MFH as their first acquisitions and what are some of the pitfalls to look out for.My background, I'm an Army Veteran that left that world to seek out new opportunities as a civilian.

First, the most simple approach is to join all your local Facebook REIA groups and stay active in those by letting everyone know what your goals are.