If you run into snags with the MPRs of a VA Loan, having that cash on hand could allow you to finance a great deal with a different loan, fix it up, and then refinance into a VA loan to pull out cash.

I have a Bachelora degree in Petroleum Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

SFH's are more flexible in the long run.  

I used to think that, however, earlier this year I contacted several lenders for pre-approval letters and they all asked for permission to run a credit check since they were doing "hard" checks...

He recently came upon a 'great deal' (I have not seen the properties nor run the numbers yet) on a single family home for about $45k.

Then you'll need an architect / engineer to draw up the plans for you, they'll be lots of site work and you'll need a builder like me to handle construction for you.

I evaluate deals, I run the numbers and I've only been following up on deals that would make sense (cents) and cash flow for me, but it's like I can't even...get in!

What it doesn't include in an unemployed person sitting around all day running a space heater. 

Just the prep fees for trial was going to run a few grand.

I do hope to run into each other at one of them.