I'm quite used to increasing leverage with each 1031 exchange.

They have a combined 45 years of experience with rehabs, new construction, and commercial in Chicago so I have naturally learned a lot from them over the years and tend to trust their judgment.My questions - Is 25% down overkill?

Not only does that help the military member, but it increases mission readiness and will also help the landlord receive their due rent payment.

Yes, i am looking for long term hold and rents, i dont have enough experience in rehabbing to do a flip yet, due to my physical limitations from my military days, i am striding to increase my passive income to a point i can comfortably live the rest of my life on.In regards to the %, i have no clue, i have gotten multiple comments to just go by the percentages.... with no additional details.

Owners usually charge reserves over time so tenants are not overwhelmed with the CAM increase.

Stagnant economies that don't produce high paying jobs don't lead to increased real estate prices, so appreciation may be ruled out as well.  

No doubt, it's a risk tho..Naturally I would much prefer something with less overhead that performs well, and I'm willing to buy my way into an established market, but then I'm starting from scratch, and frankly despite having some reasonable tools at my discretion I don't really know how to data mine the entire US.Now that the dust is starting to settle after years of being in the trenches with this duplex, it's clear to really make money with this you have to have a portfolio, as I read in an article from this site, 1 or 2 rentals ain't gonna do it.

You have many ways to get a loan but the most common ways are the following:FHA:This allows you to put the least amount of money down - 3.5%, however, you have to pay Mortgage Insurance, which can be a little pricey, that combined with the higher loan amount because you are only putting 3.5% will increase your monthly mortgage payment. 

Sweat equity can be an excellent way to increase your income on properties. 

I recently bought a house and increased the square footage through a conversion so I have about $200k in equity.