They don't seem to realize that this is a financial organization. 

The units are being rented below market at around $1,700/unit, whereas market rent seems to be around $2,150/unit for these 2 br/1.5 ba units with laundry in each unit and undercover parking.

Additional costs will creep in and costs seem to go up faster than rents, so I would sell and try to otherwise optimize the VA loan. 

This doesn’t seem like one of the good ones. 

I do not flip so I understand your reluctance to want to flip (it’s a job, taxes, selling costs, etc), but it seems like a much better flip than brrrr.  

My plan for this year is improve my credit, get my real estate license (to increase my income on top of my W-2), possibly career transition into the property management space (to learn more), and save as much as possible and learn as much as I can.I’d love to house hack close to home but my area is so expensive it seems like it’d be close to impossible. 

Condos come furnished with everything you need to live comfortably, including a full kitchen or kitchenette to prepare your favorite meals and often even laundry facilities.Cost-Effectiveness: A Smarter Way to StayWhile it may seem like a monthly condo rental is a higher upfront cost than a hotel, consider the long-term savings.

I'm hoping he'll have some options for me.I know a Home Equity Loan is basically a second mortgage in normal situations, but they seem to come with less red tape from what I've found.

Does this kind of increase seem reasonable?

They seem to do seller financing a lot.