When your tenant misses payment or breaks an agrrement stated in the lease, they essentially are stealing from your business wether intentional or not.

This is a great place to learn and networkThe site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

Most leases will contain something like this:If Lessee fails to pay Rent, or otherwise Defaults under this Lease, Lessor may use, apply or retain all or any portion of said Security Deposit for the payment of any amount due Lessor or to reimburse or compensate Lessor for any liability, expense, loss or damage which Lessor may suffer or incur by reason thereof.I would not expect to give it back in this case, because essentially they have broken the agreement, but again it depends on the language of the lease you've had them signed whether they are "entitled" to it or not.

There is a search tool on BiggerPockets to find hard money lenders.

HELOC is best thought of as a short term tool.

Obviously Avery's podcast, book, and blogs on the Short Term Shop website have lots of valuable information and I have followed on researching the various softwares/processes/tools for automating and managing remotely, but would love to get some additional perspective or experiences before I jump in.Thanks so much!

Would I be able to have a friend offer cash on the same property, then essentially wholesale the property to me (he makes a profit selling to me and I still get the deal, win win)?

Another reason I got my license as an investor was so I could join MLS and benefit from tools that Agents have at their fingertips and also so I can view properties without having to call an agent. 

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

Essentially, you can request the one-time reinstatement which will allow you to use your VA home loan again, despite having used up your existing entitlement.