Paint over is just a poor choice and will look bad. 

traditional mortgage How did you add value to the deal?

Another choice is companies Like Lima one.

Traditionally, Blue Ridge has provided the opportunity to be on the lake at a lower entry point than others in Georgia such as Lake Burton and even Lake Lanier.

Another way this could work: If the seller is young/savvy, they could sell you a house with seller financing if they don't want to pay the taxes that come with a traditional sale.

I don't know if this is allowed, but I am open to opinions!
Overall: I make $1,100 a month and have $20k saved. I was in the military, so I have the VA benefits. Currently living in a Manufactured home that I own(cou...

I am curious, what is better; finding a traditional bank/local bank to work with or a non-bank lender (Loan Depot, New American Funding, etc..) 

I understand the traditional model when starting to invest in RE is to own your primary residence already before investing in rentals unless house hacking or BRRR.

It's easy to become emotionally involved in our investment decisions, picking a favorite stock, or buying houses to flip in our neighborhood, or trading crypto because it's exciting, yet if we are really honest with ourselves, if we are investing to build wealth, are we really making smart choices?

I realize that I will make mistakes and not everything I do will be the best choice.