I'd have to double check but I believe only once so far we've utilized a commercial note (shorter term and some language allowing a lender to use discretion, balloon terms, etc) and it was only briefly. 

Or, if I should keep the VA loan in place and utilize an FHA loan for the 2nd go around. 

Now they are my go to and I utilize them frequently in the commercial buildings I manage.

I have an idea...and maybe a CPA or some other knowledgeable tax expert can help on this......so here's my idea:I want to start paying all our regular ongoing bills and utilities with money straight from the LLC rental income....cell phones (we use our phones for mostly work anyway), electric bill, internet, water, etc etc....I'm thinking of making a lease where my business rents the home office space from me and my wife, and the rent is roughly equal to the utility payments, or just have that on the lease..."

I am aware of people utilizing self directed IRA's to invest.  

July 2018 - Vacant lot - Off Market/Word of mouth - One of my clients split a lot off their rental house, we paid $55k.Moving forward, we plan to utilize auctions, wholesalers, and direct mail to find our deals. 

If using zero down finance, you have no out of pocket and you can have your tenants pay the monthly for the solar system (with a caveat that if they use excess power from the utility they are liable for that).In that scenario, you've added value to your home, your roof is an income producing asset instead of a liability and you are having that paid for by other people.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/sports/fox-news-clayton-morris-indianapolis.html

Monthly income on the apartments will be $4200 minus included utilities of about $500.

--Utilities, guest communication, cleaning, furnishing, stocking staples, quality control as a start, there's a lot!