My question starting out is where is everybody getting the funds to close the deal?

Aside from the fact that the VA may not fund given your short term assignment there are significant penalties for what you *might* be doing.    

Also, depending on whether you're only investing your own funds or raising money from others, you entity structure may differ (JV versus syndication vs TIC vs something else).

I rather do the deal with my own funds then bring someone else end.   

. - ReFi (house appraised at $219k) at 80% LTV we got $175,200.

IF you have the funds to purchase a place in LA, then you can begin looking at options around you, You also have to recognize that if you purchase a place and inherit the tenants, all the downsides that come with rent control, the eviction process and of course the time and stress that can be associated with it.

You'll need a much lower priced property with some value add or larger equity spread, and also have the funds to make the payments in case it doesn't play out so smoothly, or there's delays getting renters/lease-option buyers, etc... 

So I suggest start house hacking (live in one unit) a detached duplex that has an easy value add (needs a rehab) with a high LTV loan (FHA/VA loan).  

Just remember that you need access to capital to keep doing deals so if you are limited on funds and tie it up in a rental property that makes you an extra few grand a year you may be limiting yourself to doing other projects.

Coming into some funds and wanted to do the right thing.