You also have the options of the 2 + 1 which is a 2F with a boarder unit that an owner can live in, but likely can't rent after you leave so it's only a temporary solution depending on how stringent the municipality is.Your VA gives you lots of options, but you won't cash flow if you use at 0 percent down because rates are too high.

After reviewing the latest ordinances, reports, and city guidelines, here’s a summary of my findings as of 11/18/2024:Key FindingsPermit Types and Fees:Type 1 (Owner-Occupied): $300 for 3 years.Type 2 (Non-Owner-Occupied): $450 for 3 years.Density caps apply to Type 2 permits (12.5% of block face).Enforcement:3 violations in 3 years lead to permit revocation.Fines up to $500/day for violations.Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT):City: 9%, County: 1.75%, State: 6%.Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO will remit directly to the city starting Feb 2025.Platform Obligations:STRs must have valid permits; unpermitted properties will be removed by platforms like Airbnb.Special Exceptions for Density Limits:Require approval by the Board of Adjustment (BOA).Zip Code BreakdownI focused on these 11 zip codes:Under San Antonio Rules:78205, 78204, 78215, 78210, 78212, 78245, 78258Independent Municipalities (Separate Rules):Alamo Heights (78209)Leon Valley (78238)Helotes (78023)Next Steps:Research density caps and zoning in specific zip codes.Dive into independent municipality rules for Alamo Heights, Leon Valley, and Helotes.Evaluate market maturity and income potential using tools like AirDNA.If anyone has experience operating STRs in San Antonio or these specific zip codes, I’d love to hear your insights, especially about density limits, enforcement trends, or community sentiment.Thanks in advance!

Once the municipal/state requirements are all set, do a thorough screening for any prospective tenants, have a solid lease ready to go, and take move-in pictures to have on record for any security deposit deductions after they move out.

COLLUDE With Judges like KAREN PHIPPS to case FIX court case outcomes so the public doesn't know their fraud scams that include insurance faked claims with frivolous incident dates of known pre existing conditions putting tenants lives at risk SEE CASE COLUMBUS OHIO FRANKLIN COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS 22CV003620 AND OHIO SUPREME COURT WRITS : 2024 1311,1314,1315,1319,1320,1339,1360,1362,1378,1400,1420,1448,1471,1474,1502,1588,1601See FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT cases 2021 EVH 060439 AND 2021 CVG 020711 FAKE AND UNLAWFUL LANDLORD RETALIATION EVICTION BY ALL COUNTY NEO'S  ATTY WHO IS THEIR CLIENT🙄THEY ARE ALL CORRUPT and fraudingI would be careful about labeling an attorney as a fraud on a public forum.

Has anyone ever purchased a deal where a municipality owns the land and the improvements and rents it to the tenant to sublease?

This has become increasingly problematic  with rising material costs and more burdensome building codes now present in most municipalities. 

check the local municipal code, most are online.

Contact each municipality for their process. 

Also another thing to consider are most municipalities will significantly increase your taxes if you pop the top of the house.

The cost of doing business varies from municipality to municipality.