My partner and I plan to purchase 25 houses in the next 4 years. 

Hi @Douglas Alexander, I've used the VA loan many times, but never for MFR.You can't use it for more than a 4-unit building, so 1-4 is OK, 5 or more... nope.Great plan though to house-hack it.Let me know how your research turns out ref. building from scratch.Could be an interesting idea... build like a 3/2 for your family and 3 more smaller units.Then when you move out, you can rent the 3/2 for more obviously and could earn some good cash flow.

and some areas to avoid ?

You are talking more about a cottage cluster.

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.

I'd personally be a bit more conservative with the underwriting and make sure to see what the carrying costs could potential get to especially if this is a bigger renovation and not just cosmetic. 

Still in my mind it seems like less of an investment and more of a lateral move.• Then there's a few mentioning loan assistance programs such as FHA, NACA, etc.

Hi, I'm a pro member and I've been away for about six months(medical).

The U.S. is forming more households than ever, and that trajectory will likely remain the same due to population growth.​​

Right now, if I see a house I like, I'll take down the address and search it on my town's portal to obtain the owner name and address.