@Gino BarbaroWe have worked with 2 well established commercial brokers last year and had no success. 

I am having trouble seeing the benefit of the VA loan in the long term even if I refinance as interest rates drop.

As long as you don't lose all of your capital, throwing yourself in with the sharks could be the best, and quickest teacher.

Finding the true appreciation rate for specific towns can be a bit tricky, but you can start by looking at historical sales data, talking to local realtors, or even checking out some online tools that track market trends.If the condos you’re eyeing aren’t meeting the 2% rule, it might be worth reconsidering or at least getting a more detailed breakdown of potential long-term appreciation and other benefits, like tax advantages or rental demand growth in the area.

Being 1.5hrs of NYC gives you a lot of options, even Long Island (which typically has more options for public commute into NYC).Give me a shout if you'd like to chat more, I have a handful of case studies on my site as well from deals I've closed/brokered that match the househacking criteria you're aiming for. 

Once you get your systems down, you have a real estate business model that you can take to any market and be still be successful.

So make the investment now and it will pay off in the long run.

I would love to connect with someone who can point me in the right direction or someone that has a successful food truck park.

It doesn't take long to learn how to spot a good deal.6.

We rent out the bottom unit LTR with long term tenant and are looking to move out of upper unit and make it a mid term rental.