I've heard several theories for the shortage from people hoarding, to the administration banning the military from funneling their used brass back into the civilian supply as they always have, creating a shortage for the manufacturers.

One in hundreds of thousands of vets may be violent, better than your odds with the "civilian" population

But after taking over an inhabited, three-unit residential property, which had been sorely neglected by the previous owners, I had an epiphany, too. 

Basically as long as your property is inhabitable and safe, you're OK.

Oil based is slightly more expensive but is a little more durable, however it can take a few days to off gas and be inhabitable so if timing is an issue water based would be the way to go.  

I know whenever I've had to be let into my place (forgetful and locked myself out), I've had to show proof that I lived there after getting in, but that was through the Army, so maybe civilians are more slack? 

when you say "Curb Offers Only" is that because some places are inhabited by current tenants?

Plus you have to take into account the pay that your make that's not taxed, this has a huge advantage over your salaried civilian counterparts. 

Can you really deny an applicant because they are a civilian? 

There are many inhabitants of the municipalities of the boroughs north of Pittsburgh who will capriciously refuse to do business with anyone south of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers.