Y-o-Y  stats makes limited sense now as it just says things are looking better than last year, not pre-pandemic.

We also have a good Elder Law Attorney here with whom we have discussed medicaid pre-planning. 

As @Kevin Sobilo said, it may be better to locate a pre-written application to use. 

Takes a bit of work on your part to get the ball rolling but can pay off. 

Should I keep looking at deals if I come across a smoking deal do I present it to a investor or a loan officer and see if i can get pre approved, what do you guys think? 

I feel on this building, the price we got it at and the ARV warrants the ability to finish some of the space pre-leasing.If others chime in I might rethink it but for now we will market the first floor as is and finish the second and third.

As you getting further into your investor career having a pre-existing relationship with a banker will help!

I want to start giving out offers to property sellers so I can get the ball rolling on my first deal.

As many here have said, you are best served to hit the ground running now with your VA loan and house hack a 2-4 unit to get the ball rolling.

You’ll likely want to connect with a mortgage lender to determine what you’re pre-approved for first.