If we use a HELOC we would need to refinance quick to pay off the debt... and that stresses me out. 

Sell one by one as needed to lower the stress and hassle level. 

Even I could probably cover all the cost if I rent the unit out, it would leave us a very little income and can be very stressful to find good tenants, continuing repairs etc,, I believe.

In the book, multiple times the authors stressed the importance of putting together a policy binder for your rentals.While I feel like I have a good grasp on the understanding of how I run my house-hack so far, one never knows when their last day on earth will be.

By establishing reserves, you are planning, which will, in the long term, reduce stress and expenses! 

(Option 3) I could also just wait until mobilization is over in 2024 and do our first house hack then which might be less stress back in Austin, TXAny VA home loan experts on here with insight?

So while society has told you a 2.5% mortgage rate is fantastic, when you do the math on the interest you are actually paying the rate is MUCH higher than that.

I can't stress enough how important it is to find a mentor in this industry.

Too much anxiety and stress to take stuff like this on yourself

Everyone was stressed out.