Anyways, that's my situation - its unique at least among people I socialize/work with (middle class/upper middle class Americans or well-off immigrants)

I have done interior ivy walls, ice cream makers, fresh squeeze orange juice, and even converted an outdoor shed into a "Van Gough Art Studio" to give 1 house a leg up.

A handy search bar in the upper right makes it easy to find previous discussions, blogs, podcasts, and other resources.

I currently owe a mixed use property which has a commercial on the first floor and two residential units on the upper floors, i live in one of residential unit so that would consider an owner occupied property.

I'd have to find a fixer-upper and find a trustworthy contractor. 2.

If you could find a duplex property (or a single family house that could be turned into a duplex--check any HOA restrictions first), or a "fixer upper" to live in, that could be a better use of the equity you have in the rental house.If you run the numbers and decide it makes sense to sell the rental house (check with your accountant, figure out closing costs to selling and buying) then you'll possibly have more money to put towards a primary residence.You may want to check the neighborhoods that fall in the school district you want to stay in and look in "under appreciated" areas...maybe not the A class neighborhoods, but ones that have potential of becoming "improved".While I understand your desire to stay in a particular school district, it's not the end of the world to consider other districts if they will allow you to build real estate/family wealth that will put your entire family tree in a better position."

Either you find a partner who will supply money and do all the leg work or save money up.

I’m about to PCS to San Antonio for a year and was considering buying an investment property to live in while I’m there, then rent out after I leave.My question is this: since we’re restricted in getting fixer uppers with the VA loan (I know there are renovation loans), what are you looking for with the property?

I would then plan to use this forced equity (since I plan to buy a fixer upper) to invest in another home.I have been constantly reading to househack right into the MFH, but this may take some time for me to acquire the money and purchasing power.

If one want's a safer place to play in that arena I'd suggest to follow the Oracle of Omaha and look into the transportation leg of O&G, more volume = more transport = more revenue = more profits.  100% correct, but wasn't expecting someone on an REI forum to come at energy like this.