@Valerie KingOne major benefit of house hacking is the ability to finance the property using low down payment loans; most common one is Fannie Mae.

You'll want to do it to the best of your ability and give them a high level of skilled service, which take concerted amounts of time and knowledge. 

I assume you have the ability to pay off the mortgage if you need to.

Account Closed I think this post does a disservice to any new agent reading it, because it will keep them from taking action right now with what they have available.All you need to start is your 2 legs, and some flyers that can be printed by a title company or lender, the ability to face fears, and the willingness to put in a lot of work every day knocking on doors to introduce yourself and talk to as many strangers as possible. 

I think of it as being taxed extra for the ability to put so little down.

If not keep the money and move out, the sheriff will probably be back to escort you, and you'll get a bill in the mail for back rent and fee's owed.. 

All that said, most don't blow up but when someone puts up $10k plus you need to screen them well to insure they have the likely ability to buy in the future and have a good plan to help them clean credit to be able to buy.

My underlying question is:  How can I take full advantage of moving to an expensive market while utilizing a VA loan given my current situation, keeping my wife's loan-qualifying ability in mind if necessary?  

Let them know the area you are looking and get pre-qualified with a lender so when they bring you a property you can show ability to close.  

My take away is your ability to secure local financing with a bank that has taken a liking to you and your business model.. one cannot stress enough that simply shopping for lowest rates is short sided thinking when trying to acquire banking relationships.. its as much about a relationship as the pricing and the relationship is far more important than pricing..