Also check the number on any property if STR no longer works out because of regulations or competition. 

Before submitting an offer, thoroughly investigate possible properties through due diligence.8.

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?

@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.

Schedule and visit homes (lockbox access)Once I have narrowed down the home, from writing offer onwards would like to engage my agent.  

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

You don't have to offer 6% commission.

When you do that, bear in mind that, as you alluded to, there is plenty of competition coming.

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!