One more item is the zoning variance in Chicago is no gimmie, and even if you do get it upzoned, it will take months to get it upzoned.

So that will more than likely fall on you to have to pay.If I were you I would get quotes for all the items on the inspection report from a few different companies and get a new updated appraisal to show the judge what the true value is. 

I think you are looking at insurance placements or relocation, possibly military if you are in that kind of area.  

Any other rent items, such as pets, etc. must fit within those same calculations.  

That being said there are still close to 1% deals on the DFW MLS (I just sent 5 to an investor to check out) and smaller markets that are cheaper on the front end but have a good rental base because of a college or military base are good places to look.

Also, many of the multifamily listings that are a "good deal" will not appraise with a VA loan due to the limitations on a million items like FHA.I would first start with talking with a lender and getting the pre-approval knocked out.

If you generated a bunch of losses with pre-in service expenses then those were incorrectly accounted for, and should be improvements/basis items. 

My next military assignment is to Del Rio TX and I'd like to get take advantage of the assumable loan. 

My team an I hauled over 12 tons of items from the house, did a minor renovation, and converted the workshop into an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

It’s filled with items some of value, but most not.