The VA is a great source for loan programs, but not all of what you want to do there will qualify, there are a lot of restrictions.

Program an payment was very inticing though

Often this is enough incentive for them to be pretty good tenants, because once they are kicked off the program they are permanently banned.

I'm due to get out in January of 2015 and plan to transition to a career doing freelance programming (which I already do).My goals in real estate are to roll into buy/hold/rent and rehabs.

There are some ridiculous disclosure dreamed up by gurus, those offering programs and lender/operators trying to do unorthodox deals.

In my area an HVAC program costs $3456 a school year. 

My community college does not have any program like the one I'm looking for.

We were trying to decide if it is worth taking the time to learn a program. 

:As Chris said, they will likely want both your names on the lease but she will be sufficient to qualify you both despite your suspect creditWould it be helpful to have a letter from the collection agency handling my student loan rehab that I am in the rehab program and I have made all promised payments?

Also, the duplex is on the edge of small pocket of 70s built, trashy, low quality rentals but with new construction on one side and a gentrification program pushing in from the other.