I had my existing tenants apply and pay the $110 application fee.

I'm confused, I thought buying property subject to meant taking title (a deed) to property that had an existing loan on it that you (the buyer) were going to make the payments on. 

ElenisDoesn’t seem like those exist on the east side (east of the river)?

Building is a lengthy process that requires coordinating multiple aspects, which can be time-consuming.On the other hand, buying an existing property is generally cheaper upfront and offers the advantage of immediate availability, so you can move in or rent out quickly.

If land is at a discount there may likely be extensive sitework costs - if you purchase an existing complex in a good location your improvements will increase rents/value with the opportunity for conventional financing. 

Thomas S. the same requirement exists in almost every jurisdiction in the US as well.

Your strategy was (is) to make no payments on the mortgage and live there with no monthly mortgage, tax or rent expense until a lien holder foreclosed, which you believe you’re protected against because the borrower on the existing note is in active military service?  

May require permtis and consultants depending on the scope $70-$100 per sq ftStuds out/Addition: This involves taking the existing house down to the framing.

The VA IRRRL is a refinancing option offered to veterans and service members with existing VA loans to lower their interest rates and reduce their monthly payments.

@Brenda FreemanI think seller finance can make sense when you can get an at or above market price; you don't need the proceeds; you want the monthly income; and delaying the proceeds will make sense from a tax perspective.If you are saying there's an existing mortgage you would have to pay off yourself, then I don't think that makes any sense - why would you want to invest your own cash to make this work?