Knowledge Base

Learn the Loan

Straight talk on VA loans, investment property financing, and mortgage strategy. Written by a veteran who has used these tools himself.

The VA Loan Series

A structured knowledge base, not a blog feed. Start with the overview and branch into the topics that apply to your situation.

The VA home loan is one of the most misunderstood financial tools in the military community. Most veterans never use it to its full potential. This series breaks it down one topic at a time, from the basics to advanced strategies, so you can make the most of a benefit you earned.
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Post 00 · August 20, 2026
The VA Home Loan: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You Should Use It
The trunk of the tree. Eligibility, benefits, funding fee, loan types, and the myths that keep veterans from using a benefit they earned.
By Dane Franta, NMLS #2685338
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VA Loan Series
Post 01 · August 22, 2026
Can I Use a VA Loan to Buy an Investment Property?
Yes, with nuance. Veterans can house-hack a multi-family property with $0 down, build a rental portfolio, and repeat the process over time. Here is how.
By Dane Franta, NMLS #2685338
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VA Loan Series
Post 02 · August 24, 2026
The VA IRRRL: Streamlined Refinancing a VA Loan
If you have a VA loan and rates have dropped, the IRRRL is the fastest path to a lower payment. What it requires, what it does not, and why PCS'd veterans should pay attention.
By Dane Franta, NMLS #2685338
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VA Loan Series
Post 03 · August 25, 2026
VA or Conventional Mortgage? Which Loan Wins?
The honest comparison. VA wins more often than most veterans expect, but well-qualified buyers with 20% down sometimes flip the math. Let's walk through it.
By Dane Franta, NMLS #2685338
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VA Loan Series
Post 04 · September 2, 2026
VA One-Time Close – Construction Loans: What to Know Before You Build
Build your dream home using your VA entitlement. One closing, one approval, one set of closing costs, and the rate is locked before construction begins.
By Dane Franta, NMLS #2685338
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Coming Soon
Post 05
Net Tangible Benefit: When Does a VA Refi Actually Make Sense?
The VA requires that any refinance actually improve your financial position. Here is what that means in practice, and how to know if the numbers work for you.
 
Coming soon
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