Hey everyone I am fairly new to the BP community and investing however I have loved real estate ever since I was a kid.I have worked as a marketing consultant for a new home developer here in the SF Bay Area.I am looking to do some VA work for investors to learn more about this side of the industry.Any tips on how to go about getting the first few clients? 

If you search on the top right section of the BP page "screen tenants", there a good number of articles by other BP members.1 really good article by Joseph Scorese on 10 tips on how to hire a contractor for your house flip is great.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/1493/48088-10-...

To be able to take care of myself and give back to the ones that helped me is my ultimate goal.

Be very careful  in the Village of Hempstead.

Any tips on how I should write an email convincing them to sell, or at least preview their home without sounding offensive?   

I'm very green as far as mortgage tips and tricks as this is only my 2nd mortgage.I'm currently updating parts of the house such as a full bathroom gut on the main floor, new water heater, softener, fuse panel, radon mitigation system, windows, paint, flooring etc. 

Other than that I have several people in the area that could take care of any urgent needs the tenant may have.

Be careful not to lose functionality to the back yard.  

I'm new to wholesaling so give great advice from start to finish on wholesaling. From advertisement to the closing! Thanks in advance 

It is possible to find a bank that doesn't care but you will have to do some scoting. 20% down for an investment property would be a dream, most lenders want at least 25% down, some even 30%.As for you rent is that what market rates are in the area you're looking at buying in?