However, there are better options than $180 a month and $1000 for a WP site. 

Would this be the ideal market, or are there other rental options we should explore? 

There's ALWAYS options out there but you're going to have to go around and do most of the work yourself.

It's better to be honest with your current lender and all parties involved in the transaction, than to risk losing your EMD and falling out with lender Bs false promises.

I can get prime-0.51% on a HELOC but I don't love the risk to my monthly payments if rates rise - that is why I like the fixed second mortgage option. 

This was very insightful and I will look into the options a bit further.

@Collin StewartSince you're PCSing to Columbia, SC, and have VA loan entitlement remaining, house hacking a small multifamily with a VA loan is a strong option since it requires zero down.

I am slowly going crazy with how expensive Massachusetts is and I am leaning towards looking at cheaper foreclosure properties.I understand there is some risk to this but I am beginning to think this is the only option I will have because of how fast the market is growing.Thank you for any insight you may have!

This does not involve the utility company meaning that you will still have to go into the property, read the meters, then individually bill each tenant for their usage and understand the bill is still in your name.

If you can make a conventional loan work, it’s likely a better option.