All,It is my understanding that I can not use a 10% second home loan and put it in an LLC to reap the tax benefits if I STR the property most of the time.

Just an FYI, the 100% bonus depreciation expired at the end of 2022 and is now phasing out at 20% per year, with the benefit fully sunsets after the end of 2026 calendar year. 

Strategy Recommendations: What additional strategies should I consider to maximize long-term returns and tax benefits?

I am having trouble seeing the benefit of the VA loan in the long term even if I refinance as interest rates drop.

You can do it yourself but are almost certainly missing out on tax benefits.

So when it's time to approach your tenant you can show them the financial benefit of purchasing instead of renting. 

One option is to refinance to improve cash flow while holding on to the properties and benefiting from long-term appreciation.

There isn't any benefit to us to go through the extra work of background check, get lawyer to approve language etc. 

Real estate investors are attracted to medium-term rentals to gain the benefits of extra cash flow versus long-term rentals while avoiding regulatory risks, high turnover, and intensive management of short-term rentals.While many investors are now turning to medium-term rentals to build their portfolios, the lending world has unfortunately been a little slow to keep up.

Bonus depreciation can be a powerful tool if approached correctly, and has the potential to create substantial tax benefit, which can be used to offset the gains incurred from the sale of your rental properties.As you seek investments with bonus depreciation, keep in mind some property types will garner more benefit than others.