The front end can sometimes be tedious to get approved by the local housing authority, but rent payments are always timely.

I recommend familiarizing yourself with your local landlord and tenant laws, while also developing your own "screening criteria."

You might find a local credit union or community bank that will go to 95 -100%.At one point I called 2 different VA Regional Loan Centers regarding this section in the VA lenders handbook:Assumability - The second mortgage should not restrict theVeteran’s ability to sell the property any more thanthe VA first mortgage.

I would say that the value he brings is finding the deals, doing an initial diligence, having a local team set up for renovations/repairs/property management as well as knowledge of the neighborhood.

Are you looking to invest locally there?

Attend the local and regional Real Estate meetups.

I drop them and use a competent local RE agent, who did a great job.   

Connect with local mortgage brokers to help you out.

In addition, I would give the tenant information about the local place that handles rental assistance programs.

Look for a local credit union that can offer a cash-out refinance once the work is done, ideally with minimal seasoning.