From there, I love the house hack idea and have done that a number of times.  

Any HML able and willing to lend in VA or anyone with any other ideas? 

I think that is a wonderful idea.

If you all have any suggestions or ideas I am up for the challenge. 

I'm am just learning real estate and working towards my first deal, so I have no idea what kind or cost or headache it takes to split the parcel.Based on Robert's comment, it would seem that the building may appraise higher on their own individual parcel than on the single group parcel

Did I explain why your idea won’t work as intended or did you have another reason for doing it?

You can start to get an idea of what all is wrong with a property if you walk some with others and can also get a feel for pricing.

Joint bank account is likely not the ideal idea here - need to make it a true lender-borrower relationship, co-mingling funds like this in a bank account makes it more like an equity partnership which is a different animal

As far as whether to rent or buy, it depends on your personal situation, though as it's a new area it may be a good idea to rent for the first year while you decide where you'd eventually like to purchase.

Open to any other creative ideas to get us out of this mess.