It's tricky to figure out if the odor is coming from a couple spots strongly or just everywhere.

That strongly increases the likelihood that you will overpay, especially given how hot the market is now.Also, in the US, a great real estate agent can/will help you with the legal documentation.

There is however a strong chance this post will be deleted.

If you have a strong credit and your debt-to-income less or around 40% you should be good.

Nova Scotia continues to be a strong place for my investment dollars.  

I would strongly advise against saying you are going to live in the property with your VA when you actually have no intention of living there.

As long as its in the budget I would strongly recommend paying yourself. 

The first offer we agreed to was very strong; Pre-qualified, great credit,1k down in earnest money and gave themselves a 5-day back out period to show their enthusiasm.

Then, the termite company I used complained several times and told me our government doesn't let them use gas that is strong enough.

After some strong negotiating that hinged of us not willing to work with the sellers if they didn't accept our offer that night, we were able to put the house under contract before multiple offers came in.