So why would you pull your STR off the market for a year and make less money for a (now) tenant that you know nothing about...?

Credit requirements are different for FHA vs. conventional but considering you've been willing/able to save $30k I assume you have no credit issues. 

Saved a ton on my monthly expenses which I blew on cars and car parts.

The construction financing is a program that requires the builder to already own the lots. you need a money partners / equity partner.. the vertical loans will want first position.

Thanks so much, really appreciate the help and insight from those to have done VA loans and or know the inner workings of these Loans and what conditions a Property MUST meet in order to get approved.Just trying to save myself the time and hassle, of finding a property I like .....

And while they bring in tons of money, they don't hire many people or have many storefronts other than their giant campuses.

No Soft money is due to lock it up? 

You make more and more money over time.

I’m aware that getting money back is less likely, but I’d like to report them and put it on their record.

Just as landlords often have a make each other happy clause, I'd say here's your money go away, come back when you know what a contract is.