I've been warned that tenants can go months without paying rent and a situation like that would make it hard for me to keep up with payments.2) New Brunswick.

The housing market in Syracuse is also expected to keep growing, with both property values and sales activity likely to go up.There is a lot of challenges and chances in the current situation, which includes more foreclosures and a competitive housing market in places like Syracuse.

Here's a summary of my situation as an example: The unit I currently live in would rent for $2200My second unit is currently rented for $2700I rent my garages out for $350For the next duplex I would live in one unit & rent the other for $2200 I currently get paid $80k a year or $6667 per month.75% (2200+2700+2200) + 350 + 6667 = $12342 per month in incomeMy current mortgage is 2950, my next would be 3300, and my student loan is 250 = $6500 total debt.6500/12342 = 52.7% DTI

Talk to a lender and find out (probably a couple of lenders).Ask here for lenders to DM you (they aren't supposed to DM without you asking them to).Remember, lenders want to loan money - they will work with you to figure what products they have that can work with your situation.

This situation is especially tough for VA home buyers like myself, who may need to cover an appraisal gap of potentially $10,000 to $20,000 under the appraised value.

I'm hoping that someone here can help assist me in how to proceed with my situation.

Would a commission split be treated differently in this type of situation?

I had this same situation. 

So, being a passive limited partner (LP) might align better with your situation, saving you from potential liability coming from the investment or asset. 

There are rules around each of these, but depending on your situation it could make sense.