They require the person assuming the loan to live there. 

I live in one and rent the other for positive cash flow of $400.After all is done, I would have 2 rental properties.

To my understanding the VA only cares that the initial person that purchased the property had the intent to live there and make the home their primary.

I live in Iowa and I'm seeing nothing on the web for my state. 

I came across some websites that mention hypothetical health concerns about living near a gas station.

To win as a first-time or seasoned house hacker who is ok with less space, you want to look for funky layouts.For example, a three bed and a one bed is a huge score because you can live in the small unit and make more money without room hacking or wasting space in your unit.

My plan is to live in it for 1-2 years while house hacking one of the bedrooms.

There are things that need to be done that we simply can't do with them living there. 

The way I saw real estate at the time was, saving money, buying a multi family, live there with tenant who help pay for my house.

It all comes down to finding a program and/or service that will meet 80% of your requirements and can you live with the other 20% that doesn't meet your requirements.