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.

I have a seller that have small loan took out last year at 6.5% and I'm trying to buy the property "subject to" and remained balance give him in cash.

And since you're buying in a solid suburban neighborhood at prices that are still well off the 2006 highs (presumably), and well below replacement costs, you are "nearly" assured of at least remaining flat on appreciation, and likely 2-3% annual growth.

If there is any doubt about it being able to remain in operation then you need to walk, with one exception - if there is public sewer at the road already.