I currently work in financial derivative compliance and regulation, so hopefully my specialized knowledge will be of benefit to the community at large.

Do you want to plunk down down payments in return for monthly cash flow, tax benefits, and principal pay down?

Neither of us have broached the topic of renewing their lease term, so at this point I'm assuming they are planning to stay and would like some extra time, so I thought it might benefit us both to end the fixed lease on 6/30, and then start a new month-to-month lease with a 1 month term and 30 days notice, all on 7/1, with some language built in for their leniency on showing the place to prospective tenants.  

Is it not normal to negotiate terms upfront and change the agreement for mutual benefit?

Until you learn to separate what is related to your management company and what isn't you are never going to be able to properly analyze the benefit & expense of the product they are providing too you.

I'm not quitting my day job (the earliest would be 8.5 years from now to claim my pension and retirement benefits) but we will look for our 3rd source of income and take the long approach to transitioning out of corporate world.Too me, this is a Marathon, not a SprintGood Luck!

I approached them with specific terms that would benefit them and secure their investment on me (interest, payment due dates etc..). 

@Alexandra Garced I recently just learned, as I was in the process of doing so, refi-ing into a conventional does not open back up your VA Loan benefits. 

It’s widely accepted that real estate is America’s best tax shelter, but when you consider its other benefits (income, control over investment, forced appreciation, the ability to leverage, and protection from inflation), it’s easy to understand why real estate is also America’s best investment, and your best path to that most sought-after lifestyle…Freedom.Ian Parrish

Unless it's a niche unit or population you're wanting to rent to, don't furnish it.Awesome to hear you're using your VA benefits to do this!