Once you feel comfortable with the basics, move on to the next.

I would focus on analyzing deals and running comps so you get comfortable.

The seller just isn't at a pain threshold yet to do a deal at a level I would feel comfortable at.

Nothing is impossible thus it all comes down to comfort level of each situation.Best luck!

The cost of other (non-new construction) houses in the neighborhood have no relationship to the cost you'll incur to build a new house.Your costs will be based on a lot of factors:- Location- Level/type of finishes- Style of house- Size of house- Whether you GC it yourself or hire a builder- The types of contractors you use- Your negotiating ability- How strategic you are with your designs to keep costs downI've built houses for $60/sf, and I've built similar houses in other locations with different contractors for $90/sf. 

We've staged before and it's about 2k for design / delivery / haul away and 1k a month for rental.

I feel comfortable enough with my property locations. 

Since you are going to live in it, I think you should first determine what areas you are comfortable living in. 

Im pretty sure when I used my VA loan it had to be owner occupied for five years (maybe things have changed) but Id want to be as comfortable as possible during that time.

All you are required to do is watch a few videos, take some notes, and then write letters: to the various Original Credit Agencies (OCA), like bank credit cards; Credit Agencies (CA) you have gotten collection letters from; to the big three credit reporting agencies (CRA), Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, who report what they receive from the OCAs and the CAs, whether accurate or not.Mike Roberts, founder of Credit Solutions, has a great free program designed to help you rebuild your credit.