Is VA considered conventional for this purpose or are they unable to participate in auctions? 

I like the idea of the economies of scale and there seems to be a fair amount of that stock in the area.I am looking to participate in the bigger pockets community for networking, advice, and mutual support.

It has to do with working 750 hours in your business, having your money at risk and being an active participant in the decisions.Changing to professional status with the IRS will change the way capital gains are calculated and lift the restrictions on how much you can deduct. 

@Robert FisherThe rules allow the IRA participant to partner alongside his or her IRA when investing in real estate but specific rules apply.

The property is managed by COTS and they are the tenant who sublet it to a participant in their program. 

You’ll thank me next year.Maybe I can even convince some of my go-getter BP friends to participate? 

If you're looking to participate in a flip with someone it will be easiest if you can offer them some sort of value-add.Figure out what you like doing/what you're good at and find a flipper who hates doing those things.

I'm also more risk averse than when I was younger, so my plan is to simply pay off the mortgage early.Is there anything else I can do to be a participant? 

Anyone participating in meet ups in North/Northwest Houston?  

I would assume that good seed pedigree will enhance the value of your farmland, but unfortunately, much of the expensive monsanto seed is only good for one season.