Meeting, weather "mandatory" or not are for YOUR benefit as well as the brokerage. 

Washtenaw is higher taxes but more desirable, Monroe is cheaper in taxes with 90% of the same benefits as the other. 

You are required to live in the property for three years in order to reap the benefit of the 50% mortgage.

In that case after 12 months you can change the VA over to a conventional loan, this leaves you clear to then take your full VA loan benefits and get another 4-plex (only if you Owner/Occupy).

Brother A gets mad because brother B keeps inviting and conveying the benefits of ownership to D and E who haven't put any money in....Or brother A wanted it to rent it enough to offset his payment but B and C want to occupy it the popular weekends...

Jared,Take a look at these articles and I think you will be able to make a decision.http://www.themoneycommando.com/umbrella-policy-vs-llc-asset-protection-part-1/http://www.themoneycommando.com/umbrella-policy-vs-llc-asset-protection-part-2/ They dive into very detailed explanation as well as many risks/benefits & possible scenarios in which makes better financial sense.

I figure I am going to rent to students and if I remove the dinning room then I would benefit in having another rentable room and making it a less desirable party spot.

I figure I am going to rent to students and if I remove the dinning room then I would benefit in having another rentable room and making it a less desirable party spot.

The calculations are also impacted by your current income which impacts the tax benefits of your properties. 

Having moved from Germany to the US myself I understand the challenges and benefits of investing in US real estate.