Well I’ve kept the rent rate on the low end, not a great investment strategy on my part but fear of vacancies had me under thumb.

Since your not on site my fear is the risk in finding the right people that will be honest with you.  

Do people usually keep info about the sale from the bank for fear that they will call the loan?

Don't let fear prevent you from moving forward. 

Doing so places all involved parties at risk, and I fear will attract the attention of legislators thanks to those who do things carelessly.Instead, stay in the deal by closing on the purchase and selling with a wrap.

Defaulting is the number one fear primarily of new investors. 

Wasting our VA benefits on a bad property is actually my biggest fear, which is why I'm not sure if we should purchase a home at our next location.

This is inline with other organizations that typically say 3% - 5%.imho you discriminate if you try to repunish anyone after they faithfully served time and are off probation. or block they only or singularly because felony. avg 25% are innocent ie 25% of all incarcerations are forced, from intimidation, lying, confession done illegally, unethically or immorally obtained at gun point fearfully wrong. if you have no 1st hand experience please do real interviews, research etc. 25% is just not all from one source  as i said its only starting point. lots felons are for weed. innocence project doesnt handle all cases but based on tiny amount they do cover for free per limited # state and dont cover all states nor have unlimited tax money like local da ag have. they are one example and only handle certain cases. you must dig deeper than one organization or one year. any cop, ag or da makes many mistakes than 1 4. https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_56ac0374e4b00b0...you are ignorant blind or safety bubble hasnt popped yet. some day soon youll be in cuffs and wonder why. its inevitable in police state. and despite your lack of compassion, grace or mercy ill still give you honest chance rent. more than most  courts give people today. 

I think that the very policies landlords here on BiggerPockets seem to fear and hate, actually are their best friend in the long-term.Please rebut.

Try to not hold the actions of previous against these new ones, use old experiences as learning points and not fear points.