This is counter-intuitive to my goal - slow and steady save to purchase our first investment property (with more to follow). 

However, you need to learn about it specially the legal aspect behind it so you comply with the SEC but yes, it is possible you can buy properties without using your money.

A property or two will not be your ticket out.

Purchase price: $38,000 Bought this property with a private monery lender and sell it to a investor with 20K down.

I have different strategies in mind but my main concern is if I should start an LLC now or after I buy a few properties?

It will just be more of an explicit part of the price negotiation when buying a property.

Can I deduct any expenses incurred throughout the entire year 2023 for that property such as utilities, insurance, repairs, mileage, maintenance and improvements?

Own property and needs full renovations2.

I'm looking to use my VA Loan for the first time to purchase my first property.

I didn't phase that correctly and should have put an emphasis on "Traditional Sale".I am willing to sell but want to do it "creatively" - if you will - to generate funds and positive cash flow from the note I would hold against the property.