Hey brother welcome to BP and sorry to hear about your injury but am glad you made it stateside safe.I'm still relatively new but from what I do know the best thing right now would be for you to utilize your VA loan to get into your next house (preferably multiplex up to a 4 unit) then house hack that while you figure out what your market is and some specifics to reach your goal (multi family, single family, etc)Until then just keep reading and participating in the forums here on bigger pockets.

This would  most likely be filed with your county but may be different in your neck of the woods.

If discovered, not only do you risk fines and litigation, you'll be forced to tear it down, insurance rates climb and you'd be criminally liable for any injuries on that space (think Oakland warehouse fire).  

Also in my neck of the woods, folks seem to appreciate, value and expect a basement if they are purchasing, but if simply renting, they either seem less willing to pay extra for it or simply don't place any value on it. 

I will reach out from time to time when I am over in your neck of the woods. 

Engineering was not my first choice but an injury stopped me from my dream job of being a cop.

So....I am looking a little further north possibly in Charlotte County.Does anyone here have any experience in this neck of the woods?

Joe @Joe BarclayI noticed you were looking to maybe buy out in our neck of the woods.

I figure Insurance will be something ridiculous because you have to protect the house from sinking and additional liability insurance in case a guest injuries themselves or maybe even drown. 

I'd stick to learning about the business before putting your neck out and attempting to change the business model, especially in this economy.