The answer is no.You may be able to pro rate.... nope I'm just going say you better talk to your CPA on this one.

I secured a low mortgage interest rate during COVID, and hoping experts in this forum could recommend VA Loan business strategies as I would like to convert our permanent home into rental property and transition into another home.1. 

Same for backyard - even if it's small, cutting it in half with a fence makes it easier for both to enjoy a holiday barbecue in their own space.These are low-cost options that will help create a better relationship with tenants.

The number usually varies from 10-20% depending on credit score, property analysis, etc.Some lenders will work with any level of investor experience, credit scores as low as 660 and can close in as little as 10 days (there are loan options for 640-660 credit scores- they require 20% down).Another good thing is interest only and 6-24 month loan terms- you can refinance by selling or refinancing to a long term DSCR rental property loan at any time once you complete the rehab.Once the property is ready you can sell it or if you want to keep the property as a long term investment, you can underwrite the loan based on your income /debt to income (DTI) ratios or you can go the DSCR route where the loan is underwritten based on the actual or market rents from the appraisal.DSCR loans won't use your income to underwrite the loan.DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.Here's a bit more in detail about how rates are calculated for DSCR loans:1.

I get about an 85% hit rate.

I am hoping to use a local credit union to get a better rate + pament terms.for capex/vacancy etc. what %tage of my monthly rent should I take into account?

I get about an 85% hit rate.

.), income, cashflow, debt, DTI, equity, property appreciation, rent appreciation, mortgage paydown & amortization, rate of net worth growth, cost of living increases, hours worked per week, cash on hand, etc, etc. 

At your income rate your rental income could be tax free but not deductible against your regular income. 

Given these reasons, I'm assuming all improvements and spending should be deductible at the pro-rated amount.