Loan interest is deductible based on the use of the loan, not the asset securing the loan. 

The two existing LTR units (on my family’s property) were built 5–8 years ago at a cost of about $80,000 per unit, so I’m estimating a 20% increase in costs for the new builds.My plan is to use the equity in the land as the down payment for the construction loan, which I expect will make closing costs the primary upfront expense.

Private mortgage insurance i believe is not charged on va loans.  

This way, they get the cash they need without selling and without triggering any taxes since loans aren’t considered taxable income.

They finally get back to me after the close date to say they need more time because they are try to cross collateralize their other properties to make this deal happen and the bank they were using doesn't do this kind of loan. 

For active investments I advocate considering how you can diversify WITHOUT ceding your competitive advantage nor the superior profitability of the niche your in.As an example my business is running an investment fund and syndication high interest commercial mortgage loans secured by income producing real estate. 

FHA and Conventional loans will allow schooling to count as work history.

With VA loans, you’ve got a huge advantage to get started with little to no money down, and military bases are perfect for long-term or short-term rentals.

And if it were set up where everything went through a title company so the buyer pays the title company, they manage the buyer's loan (from me), and the title company ensures my mortgage is paid without my direct involvement... what parts of the transaction would feel risky or not worth the headache to you? 

There are strategies that can be combined (i.e.