Things like online bill pay and even online rent payments (ACH) are available to streamline these tasks.

Btw, Raleigh's economy and population growth is on your side, so you're in a good place to begin.

So your consistency and growth is tough as a small operator.

The reason for most is to make money, whether through income for today or capital growth for tomorrow. 

So in some ways, I may have a somewhat faster path in rental property growth as I won't be relying solely on a slow growth formula of the renters paying off my mortgages.I need to get my feet wet first though and take the plunge.

I highly recommend starting with personal properties and than renting them out you move out due to family growth, job location, etc.

Sounds like the implied task is for me to understand the intricacies of the VA loan because I may very well end up educating my lender.

I debated whether it was neccessary or not but realized it could help my business growth.  

Get to know your area's housing prices, job growth and go out and get them.Ask MANY questions here, and procure a lawyer of you do not understand a contract.Find a niche, whether it be wholesaling or buying to hold and collect rent.Good luck, Rachael.

It all comes down to doing the math, market analysis for rents and sales prices, financing or ability to access existing equity, jobs now and future job growth for renters within easy commute distance, increasing infrastructure between Front Royal and NoVA/DC for speculative significant appreciation, your investment philosophy (buy/hold vs fix/flip, desired return on investment, etc).Best of luck and keep us here at BP informed of your decision and the results!