I have a house there and we've cycled through a few different ones. 

Gabe,The top theory from the reports I've read and contractors I've talked to is that water got in due to a graded slope towards the house, and a sump pump that was not functioning properly.

I would not charge install fee.I have one rental property for about half a year no  so I haven't had to deal with any move out procedures or getting a place "rent ready" since my house hack is a new build but how did you create your "move out instructions" and are you supposed to paint the whole inside every time a tenant moves out? 

I could , however my remaining entitlement is 211k , and the houses I would be looking at is 450k range so even though the Va loan has much more benefits because of the small remainder I Would need more down payment .  

I’ve been house hacking for the past few years.

1.Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts2.Attend the FREE WEBINARS3.Attend a Meetup in Your Area / virtual meet ups4.Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy5.Peruse the forums!

1.Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money and Rookie Podcasts2.Attend the FREE WEBINARS3.Attend a Meetup in Your Area / virtual meet ups4.Purchase the Beginner Books: How to Invest in Real Estate, Set for Life, The House Hacking Strategy5.Peruse the forums!

I'm not really surprised that there is political movement around affordable  housing in this area. 

House was built in 1995 so I am thinking that I will need a roof for it soon and central heating/cooling is six years old.

It can definitely be frustrating.One thing I'd encourage your friend to keep in mind is that the tenant is a person and their housing depends on this process.