Consider using your VA loan benefit to purchase a 2-4 unit.I’m active duty Air Force and purchased three homes with my VA loan benefit.I wish you all the best.

@Gabi Ashenden is that 8% rate for your primary home? 

I’ve owned my current town home for two years and have roughly $35k-$40k in equity.

This is conducive to "Wood Damaging Insects" to be able to get in the home.

I do beleivethey have improved it though.

We purchased the home on 8/24/2022 for $200,000 and sold it for $250,000.

I don't see a home gym as any sort of additional liability, provided that you have machines that are relatively idiot proof and are not inherently dangerous.

If the home is attached to a piece of property you could lien the property and the attached home. 

You can turn always turn the home into a rental but at origination, your intent must be to live there within 60 days.A twist a lender can answer: The service member will be living there in 6 months but the spouse and kids can go early.

Maggie,If your husband is going to use it occasionally I would buy it as a second home so you only need to put 10% down.