I never make a loan, no matter the equity position, that the past actions of the borrowers lead me to wonder if they will be likely to pay me back. 

I’ve also taken out short term loans (1-5 years) to use as my 25% down payments.

So I'm strongly considering adding a handful of these to my buy & hold portfolio.I understand that there's no "risk-free" method to acquiring these properties subto, but have any of you had success over the long-term acquiring properties with VA loans attached?

They are bought either with SHORT term high interest (hard money) type loans or purchased in cash.

Has anyone used bridge loans for this type of strategy or is there any other loans that anyone would recommend other than HELOC?

My guess is if you can make the interest rates work, there will be dozens of these available in about 2-3 years when the loans start maturing.Good luck and best wishes. 

@Robert QuirozIf the owner already owns the property without a loan they can cashflow the property even if rents are below market.

Quote from @Caleb Brown: Is the property worth the higher price to pay off the loans?

@Tina Artigliere@Alicia ProkosFor these Quest Solo 401k plan account holders, what is essential is to find a new Solo 401k plan provider who offers a Solo 401k plan with the service and features that the account holder needs such as Solo 401k loans, alternative investments, Roth and Mega Backdoor Roth Solo 401k contributions, 5500-EZ & 1099-R preparation and filing, etc.The process entails restating the Quest Solo 401k plan where the Quest Solo 401k plan documents are replaced with the Solo 401k plan documents of the new Solo 401k provider. 

Real estate loans are taxed as you pay down the principle, not when you borrow the money.