I was exploring some of the other 3% down non-FHA loans, but it appears they also have a 4 unit limit.  

These will include but not limited to: HML, contractors, title insurance companies, mortgage lender, RE attorneys, and etc...

We were told the maximum amount we can qualify for is up to the San Francisco limit of $679,500. 

I wouldn’t limit yourself to VA-only topics; there are countless military folks out there with all kinds of experience and techniques - id love to hear from them!

There's a whole list of ways lenders itemize this cost on the closing disclosure, underwriting fee, origination fee, processing fee, application fee, etc.

At my age, my physical body is becoming more limited.

Exactly this.Just as some love what they do and want to w2/1099 or would love to go back, true investors aren't limited to just landlording on the RE side, nor are we limited to one industry sector or vehicle in general. 

Hi everyone,I'm still very green at this and haven't done a deal yet so bear with me and my limited info at the moment, but I wanted to get some initial thoughts on these numbers.

They are legal almost everywhere (not Texas except in limited circumstances) so it is best to ask a real estate attorney in the area you want to do them.

@Rick Price If you planning a partnership, I suggest you read this post (and my contribution there): taking-on-partner-s-and-limiting-our-liabilites.