My wife and I are eagerly looking for our first deal.We intend to implement the BRRRR strategy if everything lines up correctly. 

My understanding is that the VA has very stringent standards and inspections, which would make it difficult to impossible to purchase the type of distressed property where you could do some forced appreciation value add.

I've only implemented parts of this strategy, so it is more my current operating philosophy more so than lessons learned.

Based on your description, you may be able to implement BP's favorite BRRR strategy.

It is an option though, maybe we can implement that into our meetups.

Real Estate rules and regulations have long been in place but proper implementation and information are still lagging.

I have one CC, Justice Federal Credit Union, that is my go to on all matters, and there are some I stay away from because lending is so stringent (meaning, they'll hold my money in deposit, but they wont lend me anything).

They include websites with free downloadable resources that you can use to implement the things you'll learn in the books.

Here is a video tour of the CFPBs site, specifically2013 MORTGAGE RULE IMPLEMENTATION

I try to identify what we are doing well, where we need to improve, and start implementing those changes.