Flexibility: Land contracts can offer more flexibility in terms of payment schedules and interest rates.Risks for Buyers: Lack of Protection: Buyers may have fewer legal protections than with a traditional mortgage, especially if the contract is not properly drafted.

The lease was coming due and as part of renegotiating the next term, the tenant stopped doing lease negotiations in house and now there is a commission associated with the lease.  

But it sounds like there are other factors making you rethink your long term goals with these properties.  

So make the investment now and it will pay off in the long run.

Long term goal of creating passive income and building value with others whenever possible .

Being 1.5hrs of NYC gives you a lot of options, even Long Island (which typically has more options for public commute into NYC).Give me a shout if you'd like to chat more, I have a handful of case studies on my site as well from deals I've closed/brokered that match the househacking criteria you're aiming for. 

I am having trouble seeing the benefit of the VA loan in the long term even if I refinance as interest rates drop.

Finding the true appreciation rate for specific towns can be a bit tricky, but you can start by looking at historical sales data, talking to local realtors, or even checking out some online tools that track market trends.If the condos you’re eyeing aren’t meeting the 2% rule, it might be worth reconsidering or at least getting a more detailed breakdown of potential long-term appreciation and other benefits, like tax advantages or rental demand growth in the area.

I do t have long term experience with them yet but They have a good track record and seem to really have it together from my experience.

Yes you can do a cost segregation and offset your w2 income assuming that the newly constructed home is placed into service as a short term rental and you meet the requirements for participation