I suggest finding a lender that specializes in rehabs.

@Raphael TurnerVirginia Credit UnionVirginia Credit Union League has a list of over 190 members.

When I saw the landlord on September 19th, I showed him traps with roaches in them, empty cabinets in the kitchen and our dining/storage room and told him that we wanted to seek a rental credit for Sept & Oct given the house's lack of habitability. 

You will most likely be credited for what you paid in one state on the other state's tax return.  

Go to the search bar and look for "application screening" or "tenant screening" and you'll get enough to make your head spin.Generally, you want them to have a recent Landlord reference, make 3x the rent, and have a decent credit score.

The mechanism for avoiding double taxation in these circumstances is usually a tax credit for taxes paid to another state.

So they ask for checks and credit card to their company.

I have excellent credit and will put 40% down. thanks in advance for any advice.

If you can find yourself a Realtor that specializes in this type of inventory you'll have more than enough options to choose from & theoretically experience a more professional closing as the Realtor would be using all of the state required forms, licensed title companies & proper deeds etc.....Now all of the above aside no matter how you come across the property whether it be Realtor, Turnkey Operator, Wholesaler or FSBO whenever you are buying a property out of state you should do a few things to ensure the experience is as smooth as possible.

The banks and credit unions that cater to the military community know all the ins and outs of VA loans.