Afterwards, the plan is to utilize my VA home loan to buy a multi-family property.

VA loan!

VA loan!

Some of the most highest-use DC is located in Virginia, Milwaukee, Alabama, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Mississippi.

I said the same thing about the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia and just waiting for her there as well.Simple math, covid created significant demand and little supply and now demand has normalized and market is over supplied

I've certainly found it harder to find deals than raise money.However, I have a partner and we buy hospitality properties in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

Has anyone worked with a lender who has actually closed an FHA, VA or Conventional Energy Efficient Mortgage?

VA is for primary residence only.You can live for a year and then turn it into a rental.

But what if you purchase with alternate financing (sub to, assumable (look at VA but requires OO), owner financing, etc) and only did buy, rehab, rent, and repeat (one less R)?  

I'm assuming since you are in VA, you are looking there; however, I could be wrong, you could be open to anywhere.