Well said Jordan, it's not as common in this market to have an ADU but there are some out there.

It is common for PMs to stick fees into paragraphs throughout the agreement, this is another red flag.

It was common back in the day.

A previous Client and employer of mine came to me wanting to unload a property.

Read a few booksz like Brandon Turner's, and you will see how your VA loan and a few time tested strategies can be employed.

However, these are the ones most commonly used:Five-of-Ten-Year Test: You must have materially participated in the activity for any five of the past ten years.500-Hour Test: You must have materially participated in the activity or activities for 500 hours in the current tax year.Step 3: Calculation your participation hoursEnsure you are tracking your participation hours.

I am having a hard time verifying military employment and pay.

Software is a common question on BiggerPockets.

Looking at pure spreadsheet math and common convention; if you pay down your mortgage you are effectively making that interest rate on your money. 

Just simple common sense.