In response to Mr Ramsey's quote, assuming I'm understanding it correctly and it's meant to be "sail" not "sale" (if it is "sale" it may be some sort of play on words that's going over my head), I think the partners that started companies like Edison Electric, Warner Bros, Hewlett-Packard, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Apple and Google might have a few things to say.  

Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law.”The Law states that public records "shall mean all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."

That makes it a simple Apples to Apples calculation.  7% vs 8.44%?

You can buy a red apple from the grocery or the orchard - they are both red apples.  

I'm definitely leaning more towards the VA option, I just want to see if any of you have good reasons for or against either option.Ryan Conventional pricing is around mid 4's to higher 4's while VA pricing in the lower 4.00's but if you price the VA to be on "par," with conventional meaning the VA loan with no VAFF (VA funding fee 2.15 - 3.30%) then you'd have a similar rate to the conventional loan apples to apples pricing wise.The one advantage you had mentioned is that the scenario above wouldnt be  apples to apples when it comes to down payment because the VA loan would have 0% down while the conventional loan you could have as low as 3-5% down (with PMI paid monthly or within rate or split premium).Also, you only have VA entitlement (if not already tied up else where) for usually one property or home so by using conventional you can keep an ace in the back pocket or conversely you could do a low down conventional low with no monthly MI and keep the VA in the back pocket for emergencies or future planning (in case you plan to move out to get another primary shortly after 1 year again).VA loan also has a lot of YSP or yield spread premium so you can do no down and no closing cost pretty easily or use the credits towards paying off the VAFF or taxes/interest/insurance etc while the conventional loan does not nearly have as much YSP or lender credit to offer so your ability to strategically plan with your rate is not as readily available as VA.Generally, I'd say VA all the way 90% of the time but there are reasons to keep it available.

Unfortunately, there is a strong disincentive for states to do this, since the states providing more generous benefits will be a magnet for those needing or wanting them, while the less generous states will tend to push people out.

its truesometimes we get in that position thinking everyone is out to get usin some cases it is true but for the most part all we have to do is what is legally the best practicelook at apple and google they get sued everyday but because of there legal team most is proved frivolousenjoy

Building on what Brian says above, I agree 100% that you need to compare 'apples to apples'. 

For all Minneapolis investors, perhaps this is an opportunity to contact your council members and let them know if you have an objection to this, and what its impacts will be.My dislike of section 8 has more to do with the program being so poorly run than the tenants themselves, though from what I've read on BP, there are plenty of bad apples.  

Your investment goals come into play with this type analysis as well.Comparing 30 year (SFR) with 20 year amortization (or some different amortization for 5+ units) is comparing apples-to-oranges if you don't use IRR.