I asked a dozen times for someone to just walk me through 1 deal from start to close for a $15k product you would assume that a couple hours of one-on-one time would be included but it's not.

I am a Veteran and have used the VA loan product myself with no issues personally. 

.$168.88 Simmons Premium Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress 10" - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PFJNFV4/ref=sw_img_1Could be a good mattress.

I want to utilize either a 2nd home type product or investment property product.

Normal wall assemblies require tons of different products like lumber, drywall, insulation, sheathing and siding to meet these needs.

It may look like you are overpaying on it on paper but if you buy nice product in nice locations you will appreciate and be well occupied at the same time in my experience.  

I think it's something like "supplemental lines"  where those providers fall outside the normal providers somehow - which gives them price permissions to charge more for their product - but at least you get the insurance.  

I'd avoid apartments or any costar product for that matter.

But if you look at annuities, they are an insurance product, not as much an investment product.What insurance companies do with your money you invest in their annuity is put it in the stock market and keep the difference of what they pay you and what they make in the stock market.  

@Gino BarbaroWe are buying smaller BTR product direct from builder at completion - typically projects with 10 to 20 duplexes per property.