Speaking of VSU, the tri-cities area of Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights is also a good place to look considering the proximity to Fort Lee and the numerous industrial/manufacturing employers in that area. 

There is also a decent bit of manufacturing.  

Developing is a manufacturing business.

They have a good credit rating and good income but were just refused a loan for the home they want because it's a manufactured home.

I tend to lean that way as well and don't mind jumping into the trenches and getting my hands dirty as I'm also a general & manufactured home contractor, manufactured home dealer and developer, real estate broker, investor and property manager.

I'm an Operations Manager for one of P&G's manufacturing plants that makes a bunch of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and that type of stuff. 

It was a 70's manufactured home on its own lot.

You may want to wait a few years before considering it, last time I read an article about it they were mentioning new technologies and manufacturing methods that will greatly reduce the cost of the panels.

Had a manufactured home added, developed the grounds What was the outcome?

Loan Fee Rates for Loans Closing On or After April 7, 2023 and prior to November 14,2031VA Purchase or Construction LoansDown Payment Amount Funding Fee PercentageFirst Use Less than 5% 2.15%5% or more 1.5%10% or more 1.25%Subsequent Use Less than 5% 3.3%5% or more 1.5%10% or more 1.25%VA Cash-Out RefinanceFunding Fee PercentageFirst Use 2.15%Subsequent Use 3.3%Other VA Home Loan TypesLoan Type Funding Fee PercentageInterest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRLs) 0.5%Manufactured Home Loans (not permanently affixed) 1%Loan Assumptions 0.5%Native American Direct Loan (Non-IRRRL) 1.25%Note: Reduced funding fee rates apply to loans made to purchase or construct a dwelling with aDownpayment of five percent or more of the purchase price.