You can get combo units that are 24" wide and fit under a countertop so they can go right in a kitchen setting. 

It sounds like you’re in a great position to get started—$100k saved up and a clear goal are huge advantages.

As far as I'm aware most credit unions will only lend on properties in their area of operation so not sure it makes sense to join one in a different state.

That really isn't good enough in our opinion.Another option for you is if your property is in a realtively safe area, to install a wi-fi connected smart lock.

Most investors take a look at the available rental units in a particular market,  determine if its a good or bad market based on DOM and either dismiss the market all together or replicate the housing units that are absorbed.

No good landlord will accept 13 animals in a rental.

Would like to be in a city where I could get potentially $1,500 to 2k in rent.

Keep us updated on what your lender says, and I’d be curious to hear if anyone else has pulled off multiple VA loans in a year successfully! 

Similarly, if you put all Class D tenants in a Class A 4-plex, what do you think will happen?

House-hacking in a multi-family unit is one strategy I wish I had been aware of when I chose to purchase my first property.