Local credit union.

My local REI buddy called today.  

Local banks and smaller credit unions are most aggressive in this space.

Most local banks and credit unions will have free accounts.You need two accounts: checking and savings. 

Geographically locally where is your house in the landscaping?  

.✅ Hands-On Experience – If you plan to grow your real estate portfolio, managing tenants yourself can teach you valuable lessons about leases, maintenance, and local rental laws.✅ More Control – You’ll personally handle tenant screening, rent collection, and property upkeep, ensuring everything is done to your standards.✅ Stronger Tenant Relationships – Being involved directly allows you to build rapport with your tenants, which can lead to better communication and longer leases.Cons of Self-Managing❌ Time-Consuming – Dealing with maintenance requests, late-night emergencies, and tenant disputes can quickly become a second job.❌ Legal Risks – Chicago has strict landlord-tenant laws.

Connecting with local investors or agents experienced in VA loan-friendly multifamily properties can also help.Good luck!

Also does your locality allow you to work on investment properties?

But I would rather rent it out so it could be our first/foundational rental property and we can continue to grow our portfolio.We've been looking to rent for a while now but with the local rent pricing it is just as expensive/affordable to purchase your own condo than to rent.

Wrapping 3 properties into one blanket loan shouldn't be a problem, save these are sitting on any sizeable acreage.You might get lucky and find a unicorn local bank or credit union that would consider that kind of leverage, but I would say overall, those terms are very unrealistic.Cheers!