My first suggestion is to ask your lender, they often have strong relationships with several agents and won’t likely recommend someone they don’t trust.

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.

Land trusts can provide asset protection benefits by providing you with privacy of ownership for real property.

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.