If you have savings, you can still utilize the VA and put more down and that will increase your cash flow in the short and long-term.

If that 1% saves you $7500-ish (or whatever the final costs are for the refi), then it may be a good idea.

I'm an active-duty military (retiring soon).

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

The office space added represents a saving of $2500 a month I was going to pay in a lease for an offsite building for my expanding team and staff.

I hooked up with Zeker through Rent to Retirement, the turn-key company I used to find my rental.Deborah

One of my first clients is retiring this year using that strategy.  

Definitely make those assessments during inspection or prior to making an offer if you can to save yourself the time. 

Are you vendor direct could be a lot cheaper on countertops, and could save you money..

This could save you as much or more than 10% to 17% of your (purchase price plus construction costs) up front.