For example our most recent tenant was able to give us the deposit and first week’s rent up front and then she was going to stagger the balance the remaining three weeks this month.  

Kansas City is affordable. ( https://www.edckc.com/kansas-city/affordability/)As prices continue to increase in coastal cities, Kansas City remains a relatively cheap, and healthy market for investors looking for cash flow.

When you make the extra principle pay down payment, simply calculate the new payment based on the interest rate and remaining term....you can do it on any loan calculator.

The remaining 10% who do not fall in to the tire kicker class know the routine and are not intimidated by not seeing the insides without an agreement on the table.  

If we remain with hydronic heat it would likely be electric boilers as I do not believe natural gas is available in the neighbourhood ... nor is it any more cost-effective here.  

You can have more than one VA loan, but the max guarantee amount remains the same, and each loan goes against it.

The property remains collateral for the debt.

This is nothing new as every serious trustee sale buyer, for example, needs to determine condition of title and any senior lien positions that would impact their bid and remaining equity. 

Hey this three unit building hasn't been used as a rental for a couple of years, will the special use still remain grandfathered?  

Yields on Japanese bonds have remained low therefore it has been relatively easy to maintain their debt load.