Chris Masonwhile i do i agree most of what i thought of off the top of my head is common sense there isn't one solid place or at least one that looks legit online for people looking to invest using military benefits.

Hopefully it won't be long before I need to employ what I find for my first income property. 

I'm wondering how common it is to get rent like this in Jacksonville.

That's valid, and quite common.  

On the note of the "emotional side" of the transaction that is quite common not everyone is approaching the real estate transaction from the standpoint of the buyer/investor most times it is an emotional time either because of death, divorce, attachment etc.

We've found that HUD estimates tend to be low for repairs especially when considering what kind of quality you really want in the property.You need to factor in any potential CAPEX, maintenance, common area utilities, water & potential reserves (Reserves are really there to cover CAPEX items)

@Dan FisherIf you perform full-time or part-time self-employment activity consider opening a self-employed solo 401(k) which will allow you to self direct your funds into real estate.

I have heard of people  closing short sales rapidly, however, I think this is not the norm, I think my situation is more common.

I run a legitimate business and employ high quality guys that want to be paid fairly for their skills.  

All those other visas will not provide with the employment authorization security and flexibility you will need.I hate to burst you motivation and spirit, and say it cant be done.