Because of my professional experience, we'd prefer that our properties be nearby so we can self-manage and save the 5-8% typical of property management fees, at least until our portfolio grows.

@Estevan Benavides Lets say that ROI on a syndication deal does outpace the HELOC rate, my question is what do you prefer to go with since HELOC vs SDIRA are two very different tools when it comes pulling capital from.With HELOC, you borrow against your HELOC credit, pay the interest while you are in the syndication and eventually pay the borrowed amount back.

We'd prefer getting them a cash tenant who will take better care of the property!

Talk to a lender that specializes in VA lending, preferably a local one.

Another option you may not have considered is to work with a developer and build a multi-family property in a desirable area, leverage ECO construction benefits available ($5 to $15 per sq. ft.) and cost segregation and bring in a management company to manage the property once it is ready for occupancy.

We have 2 LLC's that run management companies and 10 LLC's that do real estate investing.

First, I'd try to find why the water is doing that as you can replace the siding, but if the water is going to keep doing it, you will have that problem again.If it is isn't a condo, I'd talk to your insurance company.

There are companies/agents that specialize in what you are looking for.  

I just recently found out that my company is closing mid summer.

Quote from @Faisal Zaman: Contact the payment processing company and see if you can contest the reversal.