I want to re-establish my VA entitlement (allows me to put ZERO money down on a property).2.

Jenn,The "X" is eligible for FEMA's preferred risk policy so the pricing should be reasonable. 

Is there enough in the deal to cause you to tolerate an eviction?

The vast majority looking at multi-family have zero purchase potential in such.

I'm going to end up breaking even on this house (i.e. zero expense or profit), and still I don't regret it because I get to use it as education on pitfalls I didn't know to watch for.Take the plunge.

The vast majority of companies we take over management for clearly have zero screening. 

I wouldn't do random searches on zillow, trulia, or redfin as 95% of agents have zero experience with investing and won't be able to help you.The agent can recommend others they have worked with and why they work with them.  

I am a Navy Veteran and have used the VA/zero down/ on multifamily a couple of times here in the Bay Area. 

The VA loan is a nice benefit that you have earned.I am of zero help on your financing questions but wanted to be sure you knew the following some of which do affect financing (but not related to your questions):JADU, in every jurisdiction in CA that I am aware of, can only be rented if Owner Occupied property. 

Honesty truly is the best policy - even when in the short run it seems to hurt you.