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?

To access your home equity without selling, you can explore options like a home equity loan, a line of credit (HELOC), or a cash-out refinance.

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

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

We financed the purchase using a combination of cash and a hard money loan.

Here is what I learned...1) They buy properties in Ohio, and that they claim each property would deliver a 30-35%+ cash on cash return. 2) The promised 30%+ cash-on-cash return is achieved with interest only loans.

If done right most of these gains are tax-free- $40K in equity capture (profit) with $20K out of pocket and 13% cash on cash thereafter (300%+ returns)- $24K of equity capture with $32K out of pocket and 36% cash on cash returns thereafter (75%+ returns)- $41K of equity capture with $27K out of pocket and 12% cash on cash returns thereafter (150%+ returns)None of the above numbers include loan pay-down or appreciation. 

These loans are for a minimum $100K to $1-1.5M (different loan guidelines depending on the max loan amount).

I’ve hit my financial goal and can quit buying houses. 2025 goal: pay off my last two 401k loans I used to buy a couple houses and enjoy a second home we just bought for ourselves in November.

I would say the same for employees who need say a second advance on their wages (we allow one).I am willing to make a personal loan if an employee really needs it and you could consider doing it that way with a tenant in need.