HELOC is one of the best thing you can do with low apr. ttry wells fargo they give 60% ltv

I think the expense figures are too low - why only 3% for property management?

The VA loan is very low down payment (highest mortgage amount possible) and you have to owner occupy, right?

There is a Lowe's just a couple miles from the property.

We are still in historical low interest rate.

Even low-fire terra cotta work usually fires at 1945F.

On top of that the rest of the neighborhood's comps are going to drag down the price so low that you'll likely end up with more money into the renovation than the property appraises for.

I was wondering how would you continue to house hack after house hack with low money down?

As far as unemployment...I think you can basically consider it Raleigh, so it's low. 

You can take advantage of the low downpayment with an FHA loan.It would also help to know what area you live in.