HELOC vs. VA loan? (Or both?)

[Mario Manjarrez]

Hello Bigger Pockets!

I'm currently active duty military stationed overseas. I'm moving to a more permanent position as a guardsman in Arizona in the fall. My wife and I have saved a pretty good chunk of change, and we're planning on purchasing a multi-family in order to house-hack. My parents are investors and they've agreed to let us use a property to obtain a HELOC. My question is should I use my VA loan to purchase the multi-family? My mortgage would be higher since I wouldn't have to put a huge amount down, but I would have to utilize the property as my primary residence for at least a year. If used the HELOC, I wouldn't have to and I could potentially rent both units out. Any advice?

Thanks in advance!