So if they made a loan to an LLC for $200K, fine, it's dead money, unless they think making 2.75% a year is a great return.Yes, the bank can make the loan to an LLC and have you personally guarantee it which is what they did with my SBA loan.

For example, if you buy a primary residence at duty station #1, live in it for a couple of years, and then rent it out when you transfer...You could then buy a second primary residence at duty station #2 with your remaining VA eligibility (which will be reduced by the amount used to guarantee house #1, and comes with a ton of red tape). 

Second, see what your options are for guaranteed rent - Section 8, housing credit/vouchers, etc. 

If the sellers pay your closing costs which is possible but not guaranteed. your minimum cash would be the down payment of 10,500.   

@Prabesh Giri it isn't really part of the strategy but it isn't a terrible idea to have money in stocks, but capital gains aren't guaranteed when you find a property you want to buy.

We're always looking for suggestions for companies to review, although cannot guarantee we will be able to review every company suggested.The reviews are factual and not based on opinions.

I used an FHA and house hacked, but now am stuck paying $252 in PMI every month, and the only way out of that is to refinance into another loan which will cost several thousand in closing costs.I will say the criteria to qualify for these other low down payment programs at banks is stricter than the FHA since they aren't government conforming/guaranteed, but worthwhile to look into nonetheless and see if you qualify so you have added flexibility down the line.

After all, nobody can guarantee tenants will be willing to pay premium rents, even if it means that they get nicer apartments.

They’re not supposed to do it in a way that kills the tree, but I don’t know of any way to guarantee that they don’t. 

Still in agreement with the above, the fact that a sub div is in close proximity to the property you are referring to is a plus but not a guarantee.