Because if that’s the reason, then this particular deal seems to lose its significance, due to the current time constraints and ability to work out the funding details (partners, etc).

You just might need to drop the rent slightly and let the laws of supply and demand work out

Would you not be able to help your fellow man more by fulfilling your potential to your greatest earning capacity than you could if you chose not to?

It doesn’t always work out like this.

I don't want to begrudge an agent their due; neither do I want to paint myself into a corner for the year if things don't work out.

I think your approach to purchasing a condo downtown using your VA loan could work out well; I did the same with a SFH in Clarksville and house hacked it for a period and walked away with a good ROI. 

We don't see the effects of it very clearly yet, but most of the American economic capacity has been hollowed out. 

After my refinance, the numbers roughly work out to a savings of $450 a month and my mortgage now is just over $1k a month.

You should expect to work out the kinks (people and resources) when you are investing out of your area. 

Is it ethical for school districts to maintain current budgets and payrolls when those services are not being provided or at the very least those service  capacities are severally reduced?