Typically someone who was communicative turns distant, unresponsive, blows you off when you're trying to talk to them in person, and the tall tale sign of boxes in the hallway.

I recently seperated from active duty went guard and my partner who is active duty and I are trying to combine our VA entitlements as we did previously and co-signed on our previous loan.

I would just go on VRBO (or similar) and look how people design their properties where it really matters (they are trying to rent to daily guests and design/amenities are super important.

@Jake Andronico Haha, yes, definitely not trying to do that!

@David Robert - Based on what you're saying it sounds like certain sections of drywall/wall are better off coming out and replacing then trying to repair.

I wrote an article that I think you'd find value in that will provide some answers to your question: https://www.straightupchicagoinvestor.com/blog/6-must-knows

Otherwise, I'll try and do the research myself.

if you buy a random property in a neighborhood you've never been to and turn it over to people you don't know you'll just lose money.not trying to be negative, trying to protect you and your hard earned cash.

Mostly trying to figure out best use of that money?

If you are building on your own existing lot, you are sacrificing privacy for sure, but if you are comfortable with that in this stage of your life its a good way to maximize what you already have than trying to go to market and spending over $1M on a decent duplex.