I am a single, 24-year-old, creative individual with previous handyman experience.

On a similar note, any ideas for creatively financing the house with different means?

He mentioned being open to creative financing, but he owes 200k on his mortgage.

As far as your other options; creative financing.

Perhaps you are a contractor that can oversee construction and ensure completion of work is timely.  

Things like getting creative with the offers and dealing with counteroffers.   

Just want to ensure you know that a VA loan typically requires the home to be "move-in ready".

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So I'm looking for advice from creative minds.....It's a property that has been run as a Bed and Breakfast for years. 

I'd want to ensure they aren't crossed up there, but it may be that the property is owned by the homeowner still.