This will check the box for funding the double-close properly (if 'dry closing' is not an option) -- but you'll need to account for that in your math for how the deal pencils out. 

That made me think that I was ready to Hire VA's without the proper infrastructure in place.

Buy from tired landlords with proper seller financing where you own it. 

If structural issues are not taken care of properly, it can prohibit you from reselling the property.

What are the proper steps I need to take and who do I need to contact?

Living at the property will allow you to learn the most, your acquisition costs will be more attractive, and by properly maintaining the home you'll in a small way be improving your community. 

As for tenants potentially taking advantage of the rental laws and you wanting to make sure you "get your rent"....I would advise you to strongly consider putting tenants in the property that have a Section 8 Voucher IF you vet them properly.

Just know them going in so that you can properly budget.

I am looking at beginning my Real Estate investing journey in approximately 3 months (can’t start now due to a military PCS coming up) and I want to make sure I have all the proper groundwork laid so I can hit the ground running.

You can then move out and turn the whole property into a proper rental.