It helps to get some more skin in the game because if the market goes into a recession again then you have some equity in the property that may help, if you plan on having this property till retirement then it doesn't matter and just hang out of the big cash flow and buy more non-depreciating assets!

It is best working with a modular factory that builds using SIP Panels as they are more energy efficient and lighter weight with a much stronger quality, the SIP Panels can be worked with using OSB or Phenolic Skins. 

  $575 is a price sensitive resident and a 10% increase is not small even with the added value. 

I cant speak to VA however in seattle I know probably 5-6 community banks who could do something like this:- 75% of ARV - after repair value, they will only lend up to a max of this on what they percieve your project will ultimately be worth- 90% LTC - loan to cost (acquisition + rehab cost) as they want you to have min 10% skin in the game so to speak  some banks are more conservative and they might say " we're a 75/80 lender," this means they are 75% ARV and 80% LTC or in order words they want you to have 20 cents skin in the game for every 80 cents they distribute to you during the construction or during the loan process- usually 1.5 to 2.0 points- usually 4.5 - 6.5% rate interest only for 12 months with extensions at cost - much cheaper than HML  as HML can range from 12-15% + 3-6 pts probably - they usually reimburse after satisfactory inspection (usually $125-175 bucks per inspection paid by you) - this is important since you have to have the cash to front the initial first phase of rehab and you will get "reimbursed," after its completed then on to the next phase.

They do it at increased costs, so if you have the money to use a "normal" HML that requires skin in the game in the form of a down payment, you will find better profits - but perhaps at the cost of cash-on-cash return.

I’m mostly trying to figure out where and how I can get the practice before putting full skin in the game.

I know when we are under contract with a house I have to be available most of the time due to the steps within the contract and I would be worried that the current communication style would continue throughout the contract and the last thing you would want is to have a time sensitive question and not be able to get a response from your Realtor.

Plus you'll have a little skin in the game at this point (appraisal fee).  

This forum provides most of the sensitive/confusing points with self directed IRAs however that provides the basis for you to discuss with your professionals(attorneys and CPAs) as mentioned above.

Especially when you have no skin in the game.