We are interested in refinancing our VA loan if it is worth it.

Many Realtors will suggest purchasing a property using a FHA Loan, to reduce your out of pocket money.

If you take a loan to pay for your mother-in-law you are taking on that debt in your name.

Can you go a little in to how you were able to pay the loan with the HELOC.

With VA loans, you’ve got a huge advantage to get started with little to no money down, and military bases are perfect for long-term or short-term rentals.

@John BowensAre you loaning from a pre-tax 401K or did you convert to Roth and then loaning from there?

Are they free & clear or have loans on them?

I would highly recommend doing a renovation loan like the 203k or homestyle - you are able to leverage SO MUCH CASH for such a low down payment. 

Most lenders will for try to send you down other roads first such as a loan mod or short sale, before they agree to DIL. 

They are mocking these up with interest only loans and factoring back in the tax deduction as if you qualified for the tax benefits of a real estate professional and factoring in the diminished first year property tax (since its not a full year).