A few of the sellers I've spoken with  and who previously offered the broker fee as a marketing tool are getting frustrated with this type of behavior and want to shift away from offering a co-op and instead make it a negotiable concession when genuine effort is made on the part of the buyer agent.  

Have you seen the Property Llama tool by Bigger pockets member Chris Lopez? 

You can use this tool to estimate future property taxes: https://treas-secure.state.mi.us/ptestimator/ptestimator.asp

In general lines of credit and CC are not great tools for long term investments.

I too am active duty and have utilized my VA several times to expand my portfolio as it is a great tool to use if you’re willing to live in the property for the required 12 months.

BiggerPockets (BP) does have some tools and templates that can help keep you organized (like checklists for inspections, title, and earnest money).

the first step that I would take is to find an investor from the realtor in your area and you can build a lot of your network just piggybacking off of theirs with their recommendations of contractors and other professionals biggerPockets has a great tool for finding realtors.

This allows you to have the self defense tool you need (if/ when/ how you choose to use it) and not have it exposed for all to feel. 

I run a Real Estate Call Center so I'm always getting asked to recommend skip tracing tools like Lead Sherpa or Share Group.

(It’s a great tool)I am located in Oceanside/carlsbad area.Using the VA on two places has a lot of limitations with the cost of homes in this area it makes it near impossible however having a good VA loan officer is key for part of your team.I am actually helping another client in a very similar situation.