That's safer for you and if properly recorded is nearly as good for the buyer (depending on your state laws).

I could put 25% down, but would like to try for 20% to ensure i have plenty of money for improvements, reserves, etc. 

Also, have you talked to experts in these areas to ensure before you get very specific and go long here, that this is the right path that fits your temperament, what are the risks, opportunities and trends in this particular industry / niche?  

P.S If I posted this in wrong forum please move to proper one... ;)

My question is how should we structure this so that I'm properly compensated for the risk I'm taking?

They still want to ensure capacity - that is, that you can repay the loan - but some may look at the rental income from the property or look at your cash-flow from income coming from abroad.

They are outlined in Chapter 12 of the VA lenders handbook: http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/pam26_7.aspThe appraiser will be looking at the home to determine if it meets the MPRs basically ensuring the home is safe, structurally sound and sanitary.

Not to mention, even if he were to somehow keep his license, I am fairly certain the best way to go about ensuring you NEVER again get business as an attorney is by utilizing your clients sensitive/private information exclusively for your own gain.Having said that, people seem to be getting more dumb/selfish by the day, so I can certainly see where your concern is coming from.

Dodd-Frank set in motion the requirement for "every lender" to insure that mortgage transaction was properly serviced . 

You should save your money work hard then invest when your properly capitalized