If you are SERIOUS, put your money where your mouth is and offer an agent an upfront retainer fee that is credited to any purchase you make in the next 90 days. 

Well, I might be, but this isn't a reason.In this post: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/572/topics/1004574-just-closed-what-to-do-with-lease-on-existing-tenantJohn Chludzinski mentions a couple.

The skills do not exist lol Where do I go to find plumbers/carpenters/electricians etc that can be "on call" for emergencies? 

Since you have no existing business, there really is no downside to moving to an area you know better.

I would use your existing network of agents or however you are findings leads.

I'm in negotiations right now to purchase an existing plumbing business, then I will add handymen, cleaners, and eventually an electrician.I listened to a presentation from a Property Manager in Chicago that had 20 maintenance technicians, a 6,000 ft. warehouse with a full-time manager, and I think three maintenance coordinators.

The general understanding is that the homebuyer must intend to occupy the home for at least a year.The VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) are used to refinance an existing VA loan at a lower interest rate. 

I've been looking in Greenville, SC and sadly i haven't been seeing any multi-family homes, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

-Purchase price is $475k-expected gross rents 4440/month if all are LTR, more for STR-Current rents per month: 1 is $850, 2 are STR, one owner occupied-Fair market rents per month: $1020-1200 as LTR-We have an existing relationship with an excellent professional property manager-We have excellent credit and high salaried  W2 income (attorney)Thankful for any advice you can offer!

What kind of solutions exist for this?