House hacking with your VA loan is such a powerful strategy.

House Hacking is one of the most powerful strategies for gaining property management experience, acquisition, etc.  

This doesn't mean all landlords are evil, even though that is the narrative that some like to advance.There was just a landlord on BP complaining about their tenant reporting power problems.

So I got one that was very in-budget, good in terms of cash flow, decent neighborhood, not too old, clean inspection, etc.

Talk about having a powerful "why." 

Totally rehabbed and renovated, the inspection report is clean.

Fortunately, selecting a "good" location is relatively easy if you use the right metrics.Rent and Price Growth Rate - Inflation is constantly eroding buying power; each year, it costs more to buy the same set of goods and services.

This is an example and needs to be modified but the goal here is if/when a contractor with no money invested drops the ball; you can easily and cleanly find another contractor to complete the project.

Cleaning dishwasher strainers is another thing i do when there is tenant turnover.

I've received one bid for $15,000 to fix the gutters, power wash, replace wood rot and paint, and trying to collect more bids.