I'm not sure what happened between you and this prior landlord, but I hope that we can have a good relationship with each other as we move forward, out of respect for each other and our families who you and I work to put food on the table for.

Maybe throw in a small laundry soap vending machine...or even a food/soda vending machine. 

It isn't cash flowing, but I wonder if it's a good opportunity given that:1)  I'm paying $2600 rent each month anyway2) I could use my VA loan for a 0 down payment purchase of a ~$1.25M quadplex in SF3) Area is up-and coming w/ new Whole Foods, etc; chance for appreciation4) Long-term tenants in high demand area, no concern of vacancy5) The units are below-market rent (could likely increase at least $1500 total)Would greatly appreciate any feedback (please note, numbers below are approximate).

I guess it's like being a city food inspector and you know what restaurants you aren't going to eat at, even though everybody is raving about how good the restaurant and food is.

Here are a few things to take into consideration.Lending institutions that cater to investors often do both HARD MONEY & PORTFOLIO LENDING.  

:)  I'm not terribly familiar with Denver but we normally eat at Watercourse or Native Foods... both vegan restaurants with (what I think is) wonderful food (not just salad). 

Throwing this out there as food for thought- if you only are going to hold for 3 (assumed), what if you could get a 3 Yr I/O, to maximize cash flow?

If someone says they work at Whole Foods when they are a self employed S Corporation basket weaver, it's not the lender's fault when they ask for paystubs from Whole Foods that the borrower cannot produce.

Got one store open so we have gas and food available.

Under no circumstances should your standards be lowered to cater in that manner.