What I'm really trying to figure out is whether I'll be able to buy this property after it's entered into the collection/auction process with this third party lawyer. 

I found out the hard way that if you are literally within 100 miles of a property you already own, then FHA will NOT give you a loan.Here's what you can do.Wait until you get to your next duty station and then use the fha loan  orGet a loan through Navy Federal Credit Union (You do not have to be in the Navy, you simply need to be on active duty in any branch of the military or honorably discharged)....yes they will let you go zero down with no PMI and you can use it while you have a VA loan in place.

Looking to grow and scale so I would be open to collaborating, partnering, or simply making friends.

He will knock before entering; have your dogs crated or closed in a room that will not be impacted by your maintenance request.

The really tough spot is the contractor is your representative entering your tenants private home.

Of course by buying it off the market through these mailers at under value costs (either 70% rule or the 2% rule) or just simply wholesaling the 4 plex that i can get under contract at a good deal to local investors.

They are also difficult to systems to enter for first time owners. 

My initial hope was to invest in Canada to avoid complicated tax scenarios, but I know members of the BP community have had good success with cross border investing as long as it's structured correctly.I'm looking to work at least 1 more year overseas, but I'd like to start transitioning into investing over the next 12 months if possible to do so from abroad.I'm really excited to enter into this exciting industry, and hopefully work with some of the great real estate minds here on BP!

Would i simply ask the mortgage place if Refinance?   

I would simply consult with a professional wherever my properties are.