From there, the ai generates all this in it's own stand alone website, 100% done via ai.

Anyone have success or horror story areas to share?

Hello @Suneet Dewan,To keep this post at a (somewhat) reasonable length, I will be brief on each topic.

Right now my plan looks something like:- Live in the property for the VA-required period- Refinance into a conventional loan afterward to restore entitlement- Use VA again for the next purchase- Slowly build a small portfolio while staying fully compliant with VA rules I know a lot of investors have used this VA → conventional → VA cycle to scale, and I’m hoping to hear:- How did this strategy work for you?

An agent with connections in the local market will have great referrals (contractors, lenders, title company, etc.) and access to more deals (from other agents, wholesalers,etc.)Agreed with @Bo Smith, an agent who knows their numbers and knows their numbers is a huge time saver and an invaluable asset to an investor.One way to be the go-to agent in your market would be to stay active on these forums.

This certainly is not to imply that RE cannot do well.  

Is there anyone in this market that would be willing to help mentor me?

They may just not be creative in the scenarios that you need them to be. 

I like properties close to my house in a tough market to cash flow.

I hope this little tongue-in-cheek guide will help some investors new to our forum.Code phrases:- I recommend you work with a CPA specializing in real estate.- Hiring a specialized CPA can save you thousands.- It's important to find a CPA who understands real estate and is an investor himself.- I recommend finding a CPA who provides proactive tax planning.Translation: It's me who I highly recommend.Code phrases:- Bookkeeping is where all your tax benefits start- I recommend you work with a bookkeeper focusing on investors- You definitely should outsource your bookkeepingTranslation: I'm a bookkeeper.Code phrases:- Cost seg will definitely help you save on taxes- You definitely should consider cost seg- I recommend a full engineered cost seg study- The IRS only accepts engineered cost seg studies- I recommend you obtain a free estimate from a cost seg firmTranslation: I'm working for a firm doing full-service engineered cost segregation.