On top of that, many policies have become more strict (especially in the last few years) with replacement cost language because replacement cost estimates did not keep up with inflation for a period of time AND/OR replacement costs on many older properties had skyrocketed so it made more sense to calculate replacement values with functionally equivalent rather than exact materials.

I highly suspect theres more inflation to come down the pipe regardless of tariffs, only time will tell.

I think 1) 10 years that includes recovery from GFC and the Covid pandemic is not a long enough duration2) I think for those 10 years, 100% is not that special3) I think many Midwest markets did not experience the appreciation you depict.There are Midwest markets that have pretty good long term appreciation but there are also many Midwest markets that have appreciation that has not historically kept up with inflation.  

But with the interest rate falling and the inflation stabilizing, they might be turning around the corner.

Welcome @Andrae S WigginsThere are REI opportunities in different markets - markets in the Midwest and Southeast of the country are great - where not only are the purchase prices reasonable for most RE investors, but the homes are turnkey (new builds or completely rehabbed homes, tenant ready, systems 10 years of life remaining on them, property management teams in place) with appreciating home value AND appreciating rent. 

Leverage and invest at 40x $100 000 properties ($20k down + $5k closing cost, 30 yeas fix rate loan) with a return of 10% where you have better asset protection (my keeping lower equity and higher bank position), you are hedge against inflation (agree with me, in 30 years $1 000 000 purchasing power will be less compare than $1 000 000 today) Here is how looks mathematically:1. 10% on $1 000 000 (10x $100 000) = $100 000 / annually - No interest tax deduction- No loan paydown benefit2. 10% on 1 000 000 (40x $100 000) = $400 000 / annually - debt service + full tax benefits+ loan pay down+ hedge against inflation for 30 years+ better asset protection (by maintaining lower equity  position)   + (not guaranteed of course) if appreciation happens, it happens on the all full asset amount, example:If appreciate 10%:In case "1" you will have 10% on $1 000 000 = $1 100 000In case "2" you will have 10% on all 40x properties (40x $100 000 = 4 000 000) = $1 400 000As far as cash flow, as long you buy "right" CAP 8% and higher you will have stronger cash flow on leveraged asset + all additional benefits.

At this point we've had years of comparable sales in the area inflated with the "business value" baked in since many of the homes are used for this purpose once you get outside the city limits. 

I would consider selling one of the properties, paying off the debt, creating a reserve for your remaining investment, and ensuring you are 100% financially stable before you invest again.

While your deposit remains safe as equity. 

I can't leverage my remaining VA loan entitlement to fund this because it is a 'secondary/vacation' home.