You will pay an increased funding fee due to the subsequent VA loan, but you still don't pay a down payment, etc.....Although I am pretty savy, I am still not an expert so do all your research etc.. 

For example, repeals of the current annual property tax increase limits, or even limits on rental income or its income tax treatment in the state. 

I plan on making upgrades to a 3 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, 1 half bathroom home and I was wondering what are the best upgrades to perform in order to increase the value of the home.

Amending will also increase your audit risk. 

My plan was always to retire when my passive income reached at least half of my W2 salary.Real estate has done well for me, BUTI have continued to increase my W2 salary each year.So I'm actually going backwards with regards to my retirement goal.And that is OK...

No evictions on tenants placed by him in 8 properties over 5 years.Downsides: turns are more expensive than Id like although he has been able to increase the average tenant stays and that has helped. 

Also you can take a second job to increase those 2k savings, or grow inside the job you already have.

To increase value focus on Kitchens and baths.

I do not see how you will ever get a rent increase pay back in any reasonable amount of time doing any more than that on the outside.

If you start slowly, it gives you time to learn and network, and in the meantime, you increase rents and your mortgage stays the same, which opens that gap in your DTI.