It can be done with an LLC, The rate will depend on LTV and credit score.

A lot of it depends on what other properties in your market have.

Your answer really depends on what you’re looking for.

Just depends on the deal.

Get it fixed up and back on market as soon as you can, for us this has meant working evenings and weekends to do so or spending extra money here and there to bring in someone else to do certain things (depends on which you value more...your time or your money).And curb appeal!

Where you go next depends on what philosophy you believe.  

I am currently planning on using the VA loan for my first property, and either put the saved up capital towards rehab costs or another property -- so acquiring my first property is at least not entirely dependent on the ups & downs of the stock market. 

That may require or a short sale or not depending on their equity which you may not determine easily without that initial discussion.

Vacancy in those areas usually ranges from 4-8%, maybe higher depending on the time of year (now-March).

@Jermaine WhitePretty much what you already have access to on most websites.The MLS will sometimes have better search functions, but that depends on which MLS you are using.