I would ask the builder to put down a larger deposit in light of the transient, unnumbered, changing, or unverified nature of the tenants (if legal)2.

If you have no cash for the downpayment, but have other assets that are NOT investment properties, then whether you can use your assets as collateral depends on the nature of the assets. 

Don't wait until the recession arrives to sell underperforming assets Increase cash reserves– whilst this can decrease returns it is all about being able to weather the storm, cash is king!

Is that even a smart move on Single Family units, or should storage unit investments be reserved for Multifamily units because of a higher return?

The other 3 have been reserved by repeat customers that will be here this weekend. 

We’ve used our HELOC for reserves, but would add that payment to the numbers ran for any potential deal we’d use the funds for.

But according to the VA, I need to have:-Cash reserves totaling at least 6 months mortgage payments (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance – PITI), and-Documentation of the applicant’s prior experience managing rental units or other background involving both property maintenance and rental.I have 6 months reserves, but dont have any experience as a landlord.

A summary of the opportunity is below.2 4bed/3bath SFH offered together for $1.75M.Comps show implied value of $2.4M-$2.5MVery desirable neighborhood of OaklandSeller has offered to finance a portion of the total purchaseBoth homes are completely vacant and recently remodeled (so we can command market rent for all units)Since my business partner and I have recently started investing, we do not have significant reserves to put down $300k+ in a traditional loan package.

or at best barely break even once all expenses, vacancy, and capital expense reserves are taken out. 

While you are building up your reserves, this is a great time to network with your local community- you aren't a wanna be, you have a deal under your belt.