Landlording from a distance should be done with local property management.

To move forward, save aggressively, network with local real estate investment groups, educate yourself on real estate investing, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and continue researching Dallas and Tyler markets.

If she owns the property in her name (not an LLC) she could represent herself in court.

What was the name of the guy that you met that was previously at Morris Investments?

Hi my name is Alyssa and I just started my STR journey, I live in California which has tons of restrictions for STRs.

Don't forget to research local regulations surrounding MTRs and STRs, factor in management fees if you plan on outsourcing, and assess your risk tolerance between a larger, single multi-family property or multiple, potentially distant, MTR/STRs.

As others said VA is under your name not an LLC.

If you are in Iceland/Spain, though, I can get behind investing in any market that you have trusted friends/family locally.

I just don't know the names of the programs?  

Get to your local RE meet up.