I'm going to talk to customer support with both companies again, but thought I'd check on any thoughts from those who might have had personal experience with either company or changing programs in general.

A quality operator is worth its weight in gold.  

I actually have done personally exactly what you're describing - HELOC on primary residence, use that to purchase new primary, move into new primary and rent the previous home(4 times in 5 years).

This was somewhat do to my OCD/type A personality but the facility was quite neglected when I took it over so it really needed some attention.

The VA loan assumption can be done by a non-va buyer, as long as that person selling does not use their VA loan benefits on their next purchase.

If you're going to manage a GC, make sure to meet them in person and avoid paying for the entire job upfront (typically for smaller jobs, you will pay half upfront, and half at the end). 

I'll be around this weekend if you want to meetup and talk in person while you pass through. 

I've been knocking on the BP door forever now.Let's not forget that I'm the only person ever to call Dorkin a Wanker during my BP interview haha

however for one living in CA I do like Vegas personally ( I have invested there) as I have invested in over 20 states.. what I like about Vegas is the age of the homes you would buy at 500 to 1 mil.. no really nasty weather that adds to differed maintenance..

If it is under $100K, it is going to be hard for a person to get a mortgage.