This topic can be very specific to each person's situation. 

Of course, this is a personal decision as well to determine if that is the right living situation for your family. 

My partner would be the one carrying the loan.

For your particular situation, I would recommend reading the "Multifamily Millionaire, Vol 1" by Bigger Pockets followed by Vol 2 if you want to scale up to larger deals. 

I would still suggest enlisting the services of a professional, however, as someone with more in-depth knowledge of your situation would be able to give a much more personalized and tailored answer for you.EDIT: I can only think of one reason off the top of my head where amending a previous year's return is the correct way to do something that you couldn't otherwise do when filing an original return.

(there is no restrictions on rent increases in TX)any other idea on how to handle this type of situation?

I have helped clients in your exact situation in the last few weeks.You do not have to refinance that loan to purchase another home.In fact, you can purchase a new single-family home with 5% down and turn your current home into a rental.You can even use the rental income you will get from your current home to help you qualify on the purchase of the new one!

What are your thoughts on using my VA loan for the first time to purchase a 3 unit multi family in Gary Indiana.

Carini, Here's my dilemma with this situation: the agent I just started working with is my go-to for which properties are worth pursuing, however they prefer I go with a new build and the builder they prefer.

I don't know the numbers on your property, so I'll create a hypothetical:Assume your principal and interest on a $300k loan is $1,263.You're sitting on the potential to get $155k (tax free, btw), but the rate will be 7.5%, taking you're principal and interest to $2,100.Yes, it's $900/month more, but you have $155k of tax free money in the bank.