Why are you buying a property not connected to city sewer already?

@Trevor Smith - Did you end up buying the multi in Northeastern?

Within the next 2-3 years I plan on buying my first home. 

You do not need to have a ton of cash in fact you could buy a home with little to no money down.

We're selling a duplex we own and plan on buying a house that also operates as a business.

@Nicholas Halterman to answer your question, is it worth putting money down on a VA loan, the short answer is...it depends.The answer differs whether or not you are just buying 1 home, or planning to house hack.

The only insurance any legitimate private lender will ask you to buy is a lender's title policy and fire/hazard insurance (or landlord insurance, or homeowner insurance, etc., as appropriate).

If you choose to buy here, pay very close attention to zoning, and run your BRRRR numbers conservatively.

They should pay the full deposit up front and meet all your other requirements before you hand them keys.Do yourself a favor: buy "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO.

But the better answer is, don't buy a house if the only way you can cover the nut is to rent out a room.