I was in the military ( making me a veteran now) and during my time in I shared all kinds of living conditions with strangers and friends.

I have a very successful career in the military and in my line of work I've seen just about everything, including people taken in by financial scams.

Still, we are looking for more granular data that breaks down by unit configuration closer match to the minimums set for each military, rank) plus estimates for the costs of utilities. 

It recently dawned on me the idea of a non military affiliated individual assuming a VA loan, would this individual be able to then also gain the benefit of using an IRRRL since they have now acquired a VA loan through assumption?

Local banks/credit unions typically offer the best HELOC rates, but few of them offer investment HELOCs.

Credit unions often have great programs, so hopefully this is one of them!

Do the refinery workers have a union or a company HR department that can be reached to advertise to directly?

The military brings a lot of folks out here with a healthy BAH to rent but you usually can find 2 bedrooms hear for around 2000-2500 (depending on area). 

As long as the property generates enough cash flow, you may qualify based on the asset alone.Another route is to explore portfolio loans from local banks or credit unions.

Lastly if your not sold on any market yet I have always done very well in and enjoyed military markets.