Bottom line, the VA loan is not a option for you unless you can qualify with income from a future employer or you're over 1 year out (or don't have separation orders yet).

While some complexes might enjoy a few years of very strong rent increases in the market they can also bottom out from pushing it to hard when the market changes and a mass exodus happens with their property when renters flock to safety in a down turn.      

And these guys all have that disclosure at the bottom of their websites..

Anyway - I've put a weight on the end (or not) of it if the obstruction is thick and drop it down the duct and holding on to it at the top.1) You can shake or twirl the chain and that might do the trick.2) Attach the brush made for cleaning dryer vents at the bottom end and pull it up and down a few times.  

I'm asking because I'm curious to find out what other people are comfortable with and to see what their bottom dollar is.

Bottom line, you need much higher income to make this deal work.  

So, the more cosmetic improvements (like adding washer / dryer or putting in hardwood) need to be MORE accretive (eg need to come in at, say, 5x GRM or something).Bottom line: Unless it's a major system (like roof, electric, etc.), do not spend money on anything that won't directly increase the rent.

The problem is, big ticket expenses like roofs, furnaces, and driveways don't change much whether you're putting them in a $85,000 lot or a $200,000 house, so they eat more of your bottom line on a cheaper property.  

We had the opportunity to buy a short sale 4 years ago at the bottom of the market. 

If you like you may add to the bottom of the rental application that if rejected they may inquire in writing as to why they were rejected and invite them to mail you said inquiry.