New member questions

[Mike Heth]

Hey everyone! Just want to say thanks to all who contribute to this wonderful asset we call bigger pockets. I'm a SSgt in the USAF, trying to get started in the RE game. I'm going in with one of the lower risk starting strategies: buying a duplex and living in one side. Details: Purchase price: $190,000 Current lease with tenant in other side: $1,200/month Taxes: $3,500/yr Built in 1994 and looks well maintained so upkeep should be relatively low. Numbers look pretty good and I'm buying about $15-$20k below market value. I have a couple questions: 1.) when using a VA loan, does the underwriter take into consideration the current lease/rental income when deciding whether to approve you for a loan? 2.) after purchasing a duplex with owner occupied financing, do you use the rental income from the other side to pay for the mortgage or do you want to keep all income separate for tax purposes? If anyone has any specific advice about how to work a deal like this, I would be very grateful. Thanks! Mike