Yet to be determined but hope to attract more desirable tenants.

How do I determine what amount of a down payment would be required in order to use the VA loan.

The cash flow is what determines the value.

Stepped Increase EscalationWith a stepped increase, the amount of your lease will increase periodically a pre-determined amount.

If you have not already, I would visit the area to make a determination. 

I would recommend that you define your objectives and determine whether Dallas actually allows you to meet those objectives.

How do I determine what amount of a down payment would be required in order to use the VA loan.

I've bought my first two homes with VA loan entitlement and currently rent the first one out at a positive cashflow while living in the second for at least the term of minimum occupancy (likely longer) so that our monthly living goes to equity instead of rent.I am trying to determine how to best accelerate our purchasing power for new investments. 

Print it off, study it, highlight it, and keep it handy for reference.At the bare minimum, you should know:How to determine market rent for your unitsHow to set rental criteriaHow to screen applicationsState law regarding due dates, late fees, and the eviction processHow to handle late rent professionallyHow to evict a tenant for non-paymentHow to get rid of a problem tenantYou could easily read those two books, study your state law, and then develop WRITTEN procedures for handling these issues within a month.

But this will be determined by the appraiser and you will need to qualify as it would be owner occupied property.