I bought this townhouse for 280k with FHA loan.

I bought this townhouse for $280 with FHA loan.

Bought for 200k.

I bought and rehabbed 9 properties in DFW. 

It was a $90k cash purchase that appraised for $125k a couple weeks after I bought it. 

The neighbor says he made a friendly agreement with the elderly lady that we bought the house from some 30 years ago!

In GA, not only tax sales remove all other lines, this legal actions also wipe out all mortgages (only when property goes thru the actual tax sale)If the buyer cuts a deal with the owner ahead of time, the mortgage still attached to the property as a normal sale.Yes, I have bought GA tax sales.

So it's essentially a good-as-gold full expense for tax purposes, but it doesn't hurt you on your mortgage application.So make sure your CPA is aware of these things and is not afraid of the home office deduction.Also, if you have a large non-recurring expense this year, this is worth talking through with your lender.Someone like @Chris Mason could probably elaborate.

Don't jump without looking of course, rather find a senior enlisted or an O you trust within your chain that has bought few homes with VA loans and ask them for some guidance. 

I recently bought a 2 family and am living in the first floor while fixing it up.