So I'm strongly considering adding a handful of these to my buy & hold portfolio.I understand that there's no "risk-free" method to acquiring these properties subto, but have any of you had success over the long-term acquiring properties with VA loans attached?

Of the two policies, I believe the former is superior but just the anticipation and expectations are a bit much.

That method will increase your ROE significantly more.Also read the BP book on BRRRR investing.

I don't plan on sticking to one method of investing however I do realize that some investors start with Single family and grow into multi-family.

there are of course more creative strategies to reduce that up front outlay, or recoup your capital, like, say, the BRRRR method. but they are time and energy intensive and certainly not hands-off. 

We have done tons of non-occupied flips too (fast method).

Check out this BP article about how they come into play with the BRRRR method.

Additionally, they managed to refinance while the rates were at historical lows (and still somehow cashflow negative ik 😭), so any loan methods that involve changing those rates are not ideal.

AHP Servicing, LLC and Jorge Newbery, Case No. 23-2-25722-7 SEA (King County),King County Superior Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction against Jorge Newbery and defendant AHP Servicing, LLC requiring them to deposit into the Court’s registry funds realized from a debt portfolio.

The article below sheds light on how DSCRs come into play with the BRRRR method.