As for selling with 10% down at 8% interest, you now have two title transfers that violate the due on sale clause and add complications to subject to “safeguards” that reduce risk if note is accelerated, if party in possession doesn’t pay taxes or insurance, and of triggering whatever system the lender has set up to notify them when a deed transfer takes place. 

Over the last 2 years that I've managed a short-term rental in northern San Antonio, I have experienced many small contractors that get so easily triggered, offended, and upset at me and my wife. 

Plus if you are getting priced out of every other deal, moving too slow for on market houses, your realtor telling you that this is a bad time to invest, etc. then you may pull the trigger on a bad deal.

Knowing I have a VA loan with a low interest how can I leverage that and not trigger the due on sale clause?

One more tip – people remember stories that trigger their emotions.

So as these developments get completed and apartment buildings lease up over the next 1-2 years, the pipeline then dries up.

If you are inside a city limits or police jurisdiction, the inspection department can tell you what is required currently, what is triggered by property updates, and what the exceptions are.

I am on a long dry spell on purchases, so I have the itch.  

Otherwise, continue the educational journey until you’re feeling comfortable enough to pull the trigger on something.

You need to have all your ducks in a row and be able to pull the trigger fast if you see something.