I’ve got a couple free and clear homes and one condo that I bought strictly for appreciation and now that it has reached the value I said I’d sell for, I’d like to move with it.

Go to your local big box store and buy/rent a pump to clear the basement when the house is no longer underwater. 

It's not clear from the wording though about location of this sign - does it need to be on the outside of the building or can it be located on the inside?

I own a mixed use building in Connecticut, owned free and clear (no mortgage on it).

After reading a book on financing, It's becoming more clear what my options are.Thanks for the Knox invite.

Numbers are rounded for simplicityScenario A neighborhood:  Purchase price, 200k, downpayment 40k, monthy cash flow after ALL expenses $200, annual average appreciation 3%.Scenario C neighborhood: Purchase price, 200k downpayment 40k, monthy cash flow after ALL expenses $400, annual average appreciation 1%After 30 years, assuming NO rent increases,  on Scenario A you would have profited 72k in rent, PLUS own a property free and clear worth 485k. 

@Ryan BreenRyan, Another strategy you could try is put a contingency clause in your offer stating:"Property to be vacant upon closing date and free and clear of all personal property" Essentially, this makes your current problem become the sellers problem.

The father was clearly a freeloader.

In that case after 12 months you can change the VA over to a conventional loan, this leaves you clear to then take your full VA loan benefits and get another 4-plex (only if you Owner/Occupy).

Not clear what would entice him to do that.