Feel free to reach out if you still want some assistance with the search.

For instance, lenders in SC can offer a downpayment assistance (and a related first responder/veteran loan) program through SC Housing Authority.

Specifically, is the rental market stable, and is reliable assistance (like agents, property managers, contractors, etc.) available?

Discuss this with the lender before proceeding.Partnership or Joint Venture:Structure the purchase with a partner or entity while maintaining the assumption in your name.This allows you to benefit from the entity's structure while complying with VA loan rules.Entity-Owned Financing:If assuming the VA loan isn’t feasible, explore refinancing into a non-VA loan owned by your entity after the property is acquired.4.

So to end this post, if anyone happens to know of someone who can provide such knowledge or who may need assistance that would be amazing! 

And are actually making a good career educating and assisting investors to maximize the benefit of the 1031 exchange.

What's my best strategy here to protect myself and to assist with this connection?

For seniors, living in an ADU on their children's property sure beats a $7K/mo assisted living center and still gives them independence.

In Illinois, the minimum age to officially become an unlicensed assistant is 18.

I'm happy to connect and assist you on your journey!