Then, save you VA benefit for your next house-hack investment.

I worked to get debt free and save some capital. 

For a look at what I mean when I say B-Class vs C-Class check out The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods.2) Pro/cons of single family vs duplex vs quadplex in these areas?

If it ever changed, I would just do it myself to save costs, but don't see it being something that will come up in the near future. 

We had plans to use the HELOC as a base to build our portfolio further with flips and rentals.Now we will have our dream property and a great rental cash flowing $550/month that we intend to save and reinvest later.  

We're feeling prompted to take our little business to the next level and shift focus to multi-family.Our ultimate goal in going down the REI path is to fund our daughters' (we have 6 of them!)

Ultimately, you and your husband need to decide your "risk-tolerance" and then act accordingly.Best of luck!

I started saving up to become a homeowner in the near future and that simply was not enough for me, I wanted more than just a mortgage to pay every month till I paid it off or moved to something bigger.

It seems ridiculous to let that money sit in checking or savings until I need it, especially the money that is earmarked for capex!

Or find the money somewhere else or use savings.