Movement Bank, a sister company to the one I work for (Movement Mortgage) is great as well.

Yes, you can convert the VA to an investment property and buy another one. 

What would one of you suggest for a medium term operator whose tenants may be over using a specific utility like gas or electric.

Borrowing against securities is a high risk proposition.

Buying two rentals in one year can be a challenge, but there are creative ways to make it happen:House Hack the Duplex: Buy the owner-occupied duplex first.

It’s as if they have just had one long, slow Recovery-and-Expansion Phase since the Great Recession (like Lexington, KY).- One more thing to keep in mind: most markets have seen price increases in nominal dollars (meaning, they more-or-less have risen due to inflation).

I've separated out electricity but not water (never heard of sewer being separated) and I've always had separate gas meters on my properties but have separated the heating system on one.

If you intend to live in it, you may want a better area for your first one.

Quote from @Alex Tang: One of my rentals was heavily damaged by a fire after Thanksgiving. 

I’ve read the Bigger Pockets book on long-distance real estate and am eager to get the ball rolling.