But it's good you brought that up because it's easy to forget about that. 

Hi @Sean Leahy - good direction, I've never considered this but now that I think about, whenever I've had some random rental/sale listings I've been approached by brokers who said they represent folks that are part of the insurance company's claim management process (e.g. their house burnt down due to an accident). 

.: Good afternoon BPers🫡,Will property insurance pick up the tab on something like vandalism or does the policy have to contain some type of clause built in regarding this matter?  

Sounds you have definitely worked hard to make those stay in good shape and steady tenants, which is excellent!

Even though you have a VA loan, you still WANT good credit.  

@Ryan Duphorn  a  5 /2  and 1920 square feet IMHO isn't a good health care traveler accommodation unless you are in a area with a shortage of housing. 

Good luck on your journey! 

You may recoup the money, but there's also a good chance you'll lose some.

I've had pretty good success the last couple years with a combination of house hacking and building Accessory Dwelling Units.

and that was owner occ.. todays rates are pretty normal actually. what you can do if you want though is find a really good HML and let them place a loan for you making 10 to 12% while your wait for things to change to a situation that you feel you want to move forward be more net return than buying a rental thats for sure. of course no tax bene's but there really is not that much tax benefit on one rental.. so just some alternatives.