At the end of the day, you want to feel safe and secure they manage your property first, and that your tenants are well taken care of too.

The new lender wouldn't care what the current loan is, as long as it's paid off.

No added sf, or anything to major either, but the building dept in this specific area is known for being difficult so the Buyers and their agents were extra careful.

You should pay for anything that you care about and want to be maintained. 

Listed Rent would be between 3500-4200 per month depending on a local property management company strategy.We have assessed our budget and goals while in Europe and would not want to maintain a mortgage in USA (vacant) AND a rental payment in EU.further details: we are 3 years into the loan at 2.625% int, primary and only residence owned, house will need 2 new AC in next 2 years, water heater, and driveway repairs, would only rent with a property management company as we will NOT want to manage from abroad. 

You will have to be careful though, to target a refinance after 2 years to free up your VA eligibility to re-use.

Just a heads up, be very careful buying half renovated properties.

I am a real estate investor in the U.S. with a 10 door portfolio and doing due diligence to do the same/similar in Norway, where I reside now with my family.

I use TransUnion Resident Score 4.0.

or are you looking to flip a few properties to build up some capital before purchasing a primary residence?