How Gavin (Realtor & Investor) used a VA Loan to Build 12 Rental Units

Most veterans don’t realize the VA loan can be a powerful way to start real estate investing — especially through house hacking and multi-units.

In this interview, Kade Magleby sits down with Gavin Dalton, who started with a VA loan and now owns 12 rental units. Gavin also shared that a mentor in the military showed him the simple steps early on — and this conversation breaks down the same path so other veterans can learn how to leverage the VA loan to get started.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – VA Entitlement (Full vs Partial)
• What entitlement means (simple explanation)
• How buying again works + the “25% rule”

02:11 – Do Sellers Hate VA Offers?
• Why sellers hesitate (and what’s actually true)
• How to avoid looking like a risky offer

02:35 – VA Appraisals (How Strict Are They?)
• “Safe, sound, sanitary” = move-in ready
• Examples of real repairs VA may require

04:10 – Closing Costs + Seller Concessions
• Can sellers pay closing costs on VA?
• How negotiation + market conditions matter

06:00 – Gavin’s Story: Starting With VA
• How he bought his first property while in the military
• The mindset shift from buyer → investor

08:05 – Using the VA Loan More Than Once
• Myth: you can only use VA once (false)
• Why duplex/quadplex can speed up investing

09:00 – VA Loan → 12 Rentals
• How stacking rentals compounds over time
• Why buy-and-hold works long-term

11:51 – What VA Buyers Should Do Before Touring
• Pre-approved vs pre-qualified (big difference)
• Picking homes that fit VA guidelines

14:32 – VA Loan Advantages
• No monthly mortgage insurance
• 0% down (funding fee discussed)

16:11 – VA Condo Myth + Approval Rules
• Condos must be VA-approved
• Why Gavin prefers multi-units for cashflow

19:35 – Rentals vs Flips
• Cashflow vs quick capital
• Picking strategy based on your goals

Work With Me (Southern Utah)
If you’re buying in Cedar City / Enoch / Iron County / Southern Utah and want the VA loan explained in plain English, reach out.

Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Loan approval and terms depend on individual qualifications and program guidelines.

Kade Magleby NMLS #2775072
Phone: 435-201-2822
Coal Creek Mortgage NMLS #2472472
Equal Housing Opportunity Lender