A close-up of the stovetop or the back steps won't sell the house.

Regarding DTI - mortgage industry will alllow around 40%, but tenants tend to pay a higher percentage of their income to rent/housing than homeowners.

If in 20 years the house you purchased is worth 2-3X what you paid for it, and has been paying you cash flow per month that is equivalent (or better) than what the principal would generate for you, are you even going to care that you had a bigger tax bill one year 2 decades ago?

I believe the housing shortage is a farce - there is no housing shortage - there is an affordability issue and an inventory issue - but there is plenty of housing.

Hmm, what didn't you leave out?

Preferably stay for one year and find another house.

Our next big objective is to eliminate our housing expenses by purchasing a triplex or fourplex using my VA benefits.

If you elected to rent, would a house be the only considered option?

This is the simplest method, but it also means your tenants are more likely to abuse the utilities by leaving windows open with the heat or A/C running, leaving lights on, ignoring the toilet that constantly flushes on its own, etc.3.

If they need access to the property immediately, you can offer to leave to them until you are ready to close.