As an active-duty (soon transitioning) Air Force myself, I know the VA loan is a powerful asset for us.

My duplex - built 1989, 2,060 sf, 2 bed/bath, 1 year old roof, value if I subdivide (county already approved) and sell each separately $150k each ($300k total)Investor duplex - built 1995, 2,300 sf, 2 bed/bath, 5 year old roof, value around $310kThe investors initial request was for an equal trade and they would pay realtor fees, which I replied wouldn't be equal due to buying/selling costs (recording fees, title insurance, closing fee, survey, inspections, loan fees, 1031 fees, accountant fees, repairs), taxes would increase due to new sale price, I'd trade a 3.75% mortgage for a higher one, and I'm on the 10th year of a 30 year loan so resetting that to a new loan would restart amortization and pay more towards interest.

HUD.GOV is originating source for FHA loan info.

Shop LTV (or cLTV which is combined Loan To Value, basically your first mortgage and 2nd mortgage combined loan to value), rates, payment terms, time to close,  and draw period (how long you can go into and out of your heloc). 

Quote from @Guan Hong Guo: It's a combined income.

Keep in mind most REI is a combination of monthly cashflow and appreciation.  

This money gets added onto the back of the loan kind of like a VA funding fee does. 

I have 2 options:- finance the construction pre-selling the apt, and take my profits (expected to be around 700K pre-tax); or- finance the construction with a 6-7%/year loan (collateral = my house), keep the 10 units, and once the building is completed in 24 months, rent them for circa 180K/ year gross.

In reality, it’s pretty rare to find a DSCR loan going up to 95% LTV.

I’ve bought 5 houses from 401k loans too.