Has anyone used upwork or any of these other third party sites and had good luck with a skilled VA who has been able to set them appts?

Here's a post that should guide you in the right direction. https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10850/84064-what-type-of-investor-to-be-when-i-grow-up-active-or-passiv2) If the answer is still "I want and have the time to be Active", then partner up with someone who a) has complementary skills to yours and b) is available during the day.

Maybe some suggestions on what moves to make next, because ultimately I want financial freedom and I believe I have the skill to achieve that.

Ultimately I'd like to BRRR and use our skill to run short term rentals in up and coming areas.Any tips on obtaining financing in Fort Worth or investor friendly banks?

Typically getting these "demo" type items out of the way on your own will save you money because you're not paying a skilled laborer to do relatively non-skilled work.

So start thinking how you can use the skills of chef entrepreneur and apply it to RE.

In my short time in diving into the world of REI, I've realized the most powerful skill to have is the ability to network.

To over think an offer means shortage of deal flow from my experience. 

Actually, for people who have been keeping up with rents around the Bay Area and Los Angeles, I think it's going to help create a floor for rents given the timing in the cycle plus our massive housing shortages.

In Chicago there are dozens of safe neighborhoods where low income families can rent a 2br apartment for $1100 or a 3br for $1300 that is not an affordable housing shortage.