The good news: the numbers are amazing.

I've been listening to Bigger Pockets, reading articles, and attending 1-2 real estate meetups a month for a year, networking as much as possible along the way.

That article I linked above had a bit about basement bedrooms.

I’ve done some research via articles and podcasts (thank you bigger pockets) and feel all that’s left Is to jump in.

https://www.wlky.com/article/beecher-terrace-rebuild-taking-shape-in-louisville/30681669This will make ripples! 

On the BP article on VA loans, it says that I can count future income from the duplex tenants when qualifying for the loan.

Here are a few articles on syndication: https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10145/83067-limited-partner-s-guide-to-investing-in-the-right-dealhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10145/73373-opm-how-to-syndicate-with-successhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10145/72118-syndication-the-ins-and-outs-of-real-estate-syndication Todd Dexheim

The good news is they can also add a lot of value if you do them correctly, because few people have the desire and skill to mess with that level of problems. 

The good news is I had a large down payment so I still walked away with a little money.

Here is an article that goes into DTI and what factors influence it.However, the fastest way to get your questions answered, and/or to find out how much you qualify for, would be to speak with a lender.