@David Pere I was assuming a traditional loan would have to be used for long distance, therefore my current plan is to use the VA benefit for a house hack once I've separated within the next year, just didn't know if I should pull the trigger with a traditional if I happen to come across a great opportunity while still overseas.

Special assessments are usually triggered by what’s on the HOA’s reserve study.

Doing it this way did not trigger any sort of tax consequence.

How we work on our deals is to do our research & planning, when it's the right deal we pull the trigger.

@Michael Loza Depositing anything will trigger the bank in regards to a mortgage.

That is something I have considered, just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

If done incorrectly, the quit-claim could trigger a "due on-sale" clause and cause your mortgage payment to be due in full immediately. 

DC is relatively stable in downturns as well, to date, but the prices are significantly higher here which is a barrier to entry to some.For your second question, I'd say getting/having solid relationships in the area before you pull the trigger on something is the best hedge against risk in investing out of state. 

It shouldn't . . . the guidelines for whether a sale is reported to the IRS at closings (which follows the main Tax Triggers) doesn't ask anything about financing or refinancing at all. 

Written correspondence with your professionals indicating your intent would be good as well.At the end of the day you'll have to decide if you feel like you have had legitimate intent.  1031s are not an audit trigger.