Is there a way to refinance both of them into one loan that is not a VA loan so that I can have my full entitlement to purchase a house in the state I'm currently in?I

Defintely a different time we are living in. I

If I sell now, the plan would be to use the 160k to purchase 5 or so properties and a discount once the inevitable foreclosures start rolling in.  I

It depends on the individual, their reputation, professionalism and verifiable track record of success in the business they are currently in. I

I believe that @Brandon Turner utilized a partner to get his first deal so, they're not bad footsteps to walk in!  I

@Jennifer T.Yes bringing a contractor in is a good idea, but there not going to waste there time looking at many properties without you pulling the trigger.  

You can sometimes find them on Meetup or maybe even from a post here if you will tell us what city you live in.   I

For everyone talking about risk, this situation we are all in is so rare it's not really something you can screen for.

I'd say for the person who is able to defer gratification, it could be worth it to go the investment route first and then get the primary after you have some more streams of income coming in. I

@Klarens HaxhiConnecticut has some great cash flowing markets that I currently own in. I