@Patrick M. 1.Find a mentor in your area who has done it before and ask questions.2.

With that said a mentor will help fast track your success and likely save you a fortune in mistakes not to mention tapping you into a network.

That's the difference, most people starting out and even a lot a decade in do 60-70hrs a week to build up their bank account, pay off debt, learn from mentors, etc.

A mentor will accelerate your learning curve more than anything else.

Look for a local REI club, find a mentor.

I've been fortunate to grow my properties by double-digits this past year (along with being blessed with a truly wonderful support system and mentors!) 

I am looking for a brokerage with excellent training, mentoring program if possible, supportive of my part-time decision and to be part of a team.

Try and find someone that is successful at doing what you want to do and then offer them your time and/or some other type of value that they would need in turn for mentoring or inclusion into their processes and business practices.

X amount loan (and terms)  = what length mentorship (also level of engagement from the mentor?

I have never dealt with VA mortgages, but I would bet a lot of money that there is a clause prohibiting junior liens or deed transfers without the loan being paid off.