If you have owned the properties for a while, take a look at appreciation and loan pay down.

Rates will be lower for a 2nd home loan, but as Michael stated you will have to acknowledge in the loan docs that you will not be renting out the property.

The conventional loan with 5% down program is for properties that you intend to make your primary residence.

While reading your post I was thinking "sell the Cali properties", but with 3-4% interest rates (and I'm assuming those are long term fixed rates) you will be best off to cash out refi (non-tax event) and use those funds to buy multifamily.

Together, we negotiated favorable terms with the seller, ensuring a beneficial deal.

This property is primed for short term rental (night to night) with conservative estimates of ($40,000-$50,000) per month.

@Robby SanchezI like your long-term thinking and master plan.

Ensure it has enough appeal to be a successful STR (short-term rental) too.

I still have many years before I can retire and withdraw penalty free, but I was investigating and saw I’m able to take out a loan against my savings and could use it for a home purchase.This gives me a bit a cash to play with but wanted to check if others have considered the same?

The VA loan requires you to live in the property as your primary residence which is defined as at least 51% of the time.