@Brian James Great idea!

This allowed me to stay in the office to work on the business and virtual side of things.Good luck!

Any ideas on how to get access to the $1M?

Have any idea about Gift tax in NY?

This does not align with buying most buildings in cash.Once you progress in your investing efforts you may come across more UHNW individuals, family offices and institutions who would take the lower return for limiting risk (all cash deal).

Would a HELOC or home equity loan on my personal home be a good idea to fund this?  

There are plenty of websites that can give you a good idea of property values in your area.

(saving the money to have your own deal is the worst idea)

We'll likely have to look for alternatives to our primary house since we won't be moving much anymore, but I like the idea of small multis and getting a lending who fully understands the VA is certainly good insight.Thanks,Fritz 

Same idea. 3.