Thank you A local investor had told me that a family member had gotten an fha for their triplex and since I knew they never lived there I made the assumption that FHA must of had a program I didn't know about.

One assumption I will challenge you on (in an encouraging way!)

Please also account for ALL assumptions and verify those rent numbers! 

So now you are NETTING (25k), 8.33% per year on your $300k purchase price.Even if the property were to be purchased for $200k, you are still only making 12.5% on the most optimistic assumptions. 

Because your budget is limited (my assumption) you should try to stack you marketing.

Assumptions:  2% rise in rent, expenses, taxes, and insurance each year.  

I start with the assumption that I am *not* going to put more than $25,000 into a property, "All in."

The VA stated under "loan assumptions"-there is no policy in place for owner occupancy as it has been satisfied by my brother already under VA terms, BUT lender might have a different policy.

I have a concern that a potential realtor, which has no social/referral connection to me and my social circle, may make favorable assumptions regarding vacancy, capex, location, etc.

The lender (in this case Freddie Mac) will typically require that the Buyer to replace all those funds at closing as one of the contingencies in their approval of the assumption.