They sent me the Excel files over and I was made to believe it was optional.

Is there a no win / no fee type of service I should be searching for?   

Remember that as a serviceman, you get excellent benefits from the VA loan that can be used to house hack and for investment properties as you can use your allotment on more than one property at a time.

The client retained the services of a well known attorney who has a great record of winning these types of cases. 

It seemed to have all the desirable characteristics - excellent location close to beach, safe gated community, all the amenities, etc.

The reasons they identified will not impress the judge and you will win as long as you followed the proper procedures.There is no way to ensure that they won't damage the property, but you have recourse if they do.

They are excellent renters so there's no reason to deny their request and (as a former foster parent that has adopted three children) I would do everything I could to support them.3.

If you plan on leaving after a year, rates will be much higher to refinance this as an investment home so doing the buy down probably wins out in that situation.

It sounds like a big win.

Someone else may say its free money and let it ride, so invest it in something super high risk and high reward and if I win they I win but if I lose it all I lose it all.