It's not worth the 1/2 hour  to hour trip (one way)  to go look at a potential deal, then crunching numbers, then spend another hour on all the paperwork required to submit an offer in writing on a MLS deal. 

I'm doubting I can find a deal there which is why I haven't asked my Realtor to make any offers, hate to waste his time.

I found a local property management company that offers a "lease only service" meaning that they will take pics, market/list the property for rent, handle showings, screenings, and paperwork to onboard the tenant and then hand it over to me to manage.

My dad was a builder (but has now passed) and I just think this makes so much sense but need to find access to the knowledge and potentially an investor/creative financing to do the rest.Anyone who could offer any advice/time/links to info would be greatly appreciated. 

She offers many courses for free.  

I would have paid another experienced local investor (an unbiased party not having anything to do with the sale of the home or selling me services) to do a thorough video tour of every inch of the house before submitting an offer. 

Arianne, when you say the flips are easy to sell, can you tell me about how long it's taking to get offers once the homes are listed?

Offer's still out there, hop on the HW marketing machine while you can.

@Andrew Stouse you can ABSOLUTELY buy a property using your VA loan with not only ZERO down, but with the right realtor and offer, you can actually walk away with cash back in your pocket at closing.

Offer to pay the neighbors a reasonable amount say $50 - $100/mo. as they're doing you a GRAND favor helping you and besides that extra money may aide with commuting costs to work or a boost to their monthly budget or a their savings account!