The 5,000 increases your basis in the partnership and the 8,000 will lower your basis in the partnership.

This will increase your current mid 3% rates into higher 4% rates so we'd have to do the math on it to see if by restoring your VA entitlement it will be worth the extra "premium," paid in rate and closing costs to refinance are worth it.

Maybe you could work overtime at your current job or pick up a part time side job to really increase your home buying options.

By getting a targeted list, you can increase your chances of reaching people who share motivating factors - and have houses you want to buy.This is a good place to outsource.

I'll say this for now...I'm selling off my SFR portfolio and (assuming all things go as planned) will be spending slightly less on the MF and increasing my NOI by more than 30%. 

You will loan your LLC the money to buy a house which you will subsequently purchase from the LLC on a contract for deed. 

Buying artificial cash flow is extremely expensive and counter productive to the intent of investing in income producing real-estate.How do you see this increasing your returns.

My clients like to see increase in income and somewhat stable employment.Lastly, I set up the forms electronically - online forms. :)Hope I helped a little!

You do so typically by increasing incomes (rents, ...) and reducing expenses.

If that is the case then use higher criteria next time to avoid someone like that (which is not a guarantee but increases your odds).