Check big-cost items more carefully.

Go see the average cost of a lot for sale in HEB if you can find one.   

I am currently in debt a total of about $75,000 and they don't tell you that you should really have funds for the cost of the program and at LEAST 9-12 months because it could be that long for a deal to be closed.

Since it's 2024 and costs have gone up, I would increase those numbers to maybe $40 (small dog/cat) and $50 (larger dog). 

The more you leave open on the front end, the more likely your contractor will increase costs throughout.  

I know some hosts worry about the cost of design, but there are ways to make a home beautiful on a budget.

I think yes, you can leverage your VA loan.But before you do that, you need to make sure you have money aside in case of unforeseen circumstances.ideally, if you buy a fixer-upper and can get 100% of the loan + renovations + Closing costs covered on the loan, then after renovation, you can refinance it to rent.

Solar costs money to install and benefits you how?  

Quote from @Bonnie Low: MTR and Section 8 are very different niches with little in common so it's very difficult to provide advice on your question.

The downside to this strategy is that I would have to pay additional closing costs.