Many veterans believe the VA home loan is a one-time benefit — use it once and it’s gone forever. That’s one of the most common (and costly) VA loan myths.

In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina is joined by Ryan Bell, a VA loan expert with more than 20 years of experience and a former Army National Guard member, to explain how the VA loan really works — and how veterans can use it multiple times over a lifetime.

They break down entitlement restoration, second-tier entitlement, renting out a VA-financed home, and what happens if a veteran ever defaults on a VA loan. If you’re PCS’ing, retiring, downsizing, or building a rental portfolio, this episode explains what’s possible — and what’s not — when it comes to reusing your VA benefit.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why the VA loan is a lifetime benefit, not a one-time perk
• How selling a VA-financed home fully restores your entitlement
• How many times you can use your VA loan (hint: there’s no limit)
• What second-tier entitlement is and how it works
• How to buy a new home while keeping your old VA home as a rental
• Why VA loans must always be used for a primary residence
• Common misunderstandings about vacation homes and VA loans
• What happens to your VA benefit after a foreclosure or default
• How to find lenders who understand second-tier entitlement
• When it makes sense to use VA financing vs. conventional loans

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Ryan welcomes VA loan expert Ryan Bell.

00:31 – Is the VA Loan a Lifetime Benefit?
Why you never “use it up” permanently.

01:13 – How Many Times Can You Use a VA Loan?
Why there’s no usage limit.

02:27 – What Is Remaining Entitlement?
How partial entitlement works.

03:26 – Second-Tier Entitlement Explained
Buying another home without selling the first.

04:32 – Why Some Lenders Say “No” (Incorrectly)
The importance of VA-experienced lenders.

04:51 – Primary Residence Rules
Why VA loans can’t be used for vacation homes.

06:18 – Turning a VA Home Into a Rental
How PCS moves make this possible.

07:06 – Snowbirds, Retirees & Dual Residences
When VA loans can still work.

08:55 – What Happens After a Default or Foreclosure
Why your benefit may not be gone forever.

10:08 – VA Loan Scenarios Recap
How veterans can safely reuse their benefit.

11:29 – Final Advice
Why every veteran should understand their entitlement.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Veterans who think they already “used up” their VA loan
• Active-duty members facing a PCS
• Military retirees planning their next home
• Veterans interested in rental properties
• Anyone confused about VA loan entitlement

Leaving the military isn’t just a career change — it’s an identity shift. In this deeply personal episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Dane Gibson, an Army veteran turned realtor, property manager, and entrepreneur, to talk candidly about transition, addiction, mental health, faith, and finding purpose after service.

Dane shares his journey from active-duty field artillery to struggling through civilian life, battling addiction, surviving suicidal thoughts, and eventually rebuilding his life through faith and real estate.

Note: If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial or text the helpline at 988.

Along the way, he explains how military discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills helped him succeed in a commission-based business — and why real estate can be a powerful (but challenging) career path for veterans.

This conversation goes far beyond money and careers. It’s about identity, healing, and redefining success on your own terms — whether that’s through entrepreneurship, faith, or simply learning to live with less pressure and more meaning.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What Dane’s military transition really looked like after ETS
• How alcohol culture in the military followed him into civilian life
• Recognizing addiction, hitting rock bottom, and asking for help
• Why identity loss is one of the hardest parts of leaving the military
• How faith helped Dane rebuild his life and redefine success
• Why real estate can be a strong (but demanding) career path for veterans
• The realities of commission-based income and entrepreneurship
• How property management creates more stable, predictable income
• The military skills that translate best into business and real estate
• Financial lessons for transitioning service members
• Why success isn’t about money — it’s about waking up without pressure

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Ryan introduces Dane Gibson and his background.

00:43 – Army Service & Early Challenges
Life as a field artillery soldier in Korea and Fort Hood.

03:12 – Alcohol Culture & Coping Mechanisms
How drinking became normalized — and destructive.

05:47 – Transitioning Out of the Military
College, travel, and searching for identity.

11:28 – Rock Bottom & Suicidal Thoughts
A pivotal moment and asking for help.

15:49 – Camino de Santiago & Self-Discovery
Seeking meaning outside the military.

16:58 – Living at Home & Career Uncertainty
Struggling to translate military skills.

18:11 – Discovering Sales & Real Estate
Why real estate became a natural fit.

26:02 – Addiction, COVID, and a Breaking Point
The moment everything changed.

30:51 – Faith, Recovery, and Sobriety
A slow but lasting transformation.

32:51 – Money, Identity, and Losing Everything
Why tying self-worth to income fails.

36:11 – Redefining Success
Living with purpose instead of pressure.

39:23 – Real Estate Paths for Veterans
Sales, property management, building, and investing.

47:42 – Advice for Transitioning Service Members
Financial discipline, identity, and long-term thinking.

51:15 – Final Message
You’re not alone — help is available.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Veterans struggling with transition or identity loss
• Service members considering real estate or entrepreneurship
• Anyone battling addiction or mental health challenges
• Military families supporting a loved one through transition
• Listeners seeking purpose beyond rank, income, or career

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most service members will ever make — and doing it with a VA loan adds an extra layer of complexity. In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina sits down with Jared Reichel, Director of Agent Relations and a veteran himself, to reveal the real-world insights every military homebuyer and seller needs to know.

From choosing the right real estate agent to navigating VA loan myths, negotiating in hot or slow markets, and even leveraging VA loan assumptions, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how experienced agents protect military buyers and sellers from costly mistakes.

Whether you’re PCS’ing, buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or preparing to sell, this episode explains why the right real estate agent is your “boots on the ground” expert — and how they can save you time, money, and stress throughout the entire process.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why VA loans are different — and why agent experience matters
• How to vet and interview real estate agents when moving to a new area
• Why using the seller’s agent can work against you
• Major industry changes that affect buyer agency agreements
• How real estate agent commissions and fees work now
• How agents help you negotiate price, concessions, and closing costs
• VA loan myths around appraisals, inspections, and closing timelines
• Why VA loans can still compete in hot seller’s markets
• How agents protect buyers during inspections, disclosures, and contracts
• What sellers need to know about pricing, marketing, and negotiations
• How VA loan assumptions can benefit both buyers and sellers

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Ryan welcomes Jared Reichel and introduces the topic.

00:25 – Why VA Loans Require Specialized Agents
How VA loans differ from conventional financing.

01:29 – How to Vet a Real Estate Agent
What military buyers should ask before hiring.

03:45 – Finding an Agent in a New Area
Why “test driving” agents matters.

06:17 – Buyer Agency Agreements Explained
New regulations and what buyers must know before signing.

09:21 – Who Pays the Real Estate Agent?
How commissions and negotiations work post-lawsuit.

11:28 – What a Buyer’s Agent Really Does
Negotiations, inspections, disclosures, and protection.

13:45 – VA Loan Myths & Seller Concerns
Why sellers shouldn’t fear VA financing.

16:29 – Inspections, Experts, and Due Diligence
Why your agent’s local network matters.

17:03 – Negotiating Offers & Seller Concessions
How experienced agents structure winning offers.

22:27 – Contract Terms & Protecting Buyers
Appraisals, contingencies, and earnest money strategies.

25:34 – Closing Day: What Your Agent Does
From lender coordination to signing the keys over.

28:32 – Selling a Home as a Military Member
Why listing agents matter just as much as buyers’ agents.

32:47 – Evaluating and Comparing Offers
How agents help sellers choose the best deal.

39:17 – VA Loan Assumptions Explained
A powerful but often overlooked VA benefit.

43:02 – Final Advice for Military Buyers & Sellers
Why experience, trust, and VA knowledge are non-negotiable.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Active-duty service members PCS’ing
• First-time VA loan users
• Military families buying in a new market
• Veterans selling a home with a VA loan
• Anyone considering a VA loan assumption

Many veterans file VA disability claims believing the process is straightforward—only to be denied, underrated, or stuck in years of appeals. In this episode, Ryan Guina of The Military Wallet sits down with Chad Armstrong of ACE Veteran Consulting to unpack why so many VA disability claims fail and what veterans can do differently.

Chad shares his personal journey from National Guard service and combat deployments to a complex medical board, medical retirement, and ultimately helping other veterans navigate the VA system. Together, they break down the real rules behind VA ratings, the importance of CFR Title 38 language, medical evidence, nexus letters, lay statements, and why “throwing everything at the wall” often backfires.

If you’re filing a VA disability claim—or thinking about it—this episode explains what the VA is actually looking for, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to ethically and effectively present your case.

Whether you’re separating, medically retiring, or helping another veteran, this is an essential listen.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
Ryan Guina introduces the show and guest Chad Armstrong, VA disability consultant.

00:38 – Chad’s Military Background
From construction work to the National Guard, airborne school, and contracting in Iraq.

02:50 – Life as AGR (Active Guard Reserve)
Benefits, stability, and why AGR differs from active duty.

03:54 – Injuries, Surgeries, and Burnout
Six surgeries, combat wear-and-tear, and the physical toll of service.

05:47 – Entering the Medical Board Process
Why AGR med boards are different—and harder—than active duty cases.

07:50 – Being Sidelined During Med Board
Loss of mission, identity struggles, and mental health impact.

11:08 – Medical Board Findings & Appeals
How DOD ratings work, appeals, lawyers, and combat-related determinations.

14:28 – Chad’s First VA Claim Mistakes
Why his initial VA claim failed—and what he didn’t know at the time.

16:06 – VA Claims Are a Test (CFR Title 38 Explained)
How the VA actually grades claims and why language matters.

18:41 – Why Claims Get Denied
Missing documentation, poor wording, and overwhelmed VA raters.

21:30 – Ethics of VA Disability Claims
Why lying or exaggerating backfires—and hurts everyone.

22:25 – The 3 Requirements for a Successful VA Claim
Service connection, current diagnosis, and a medical nexus.

23:57 – Lay Statements & Real-Life Impact
How to explain limitations beyond medical jargon.

26:15 – Transitioning Out & Financial Reality
VA compensation, income planning, and early retirement decisions.

32:36 – CRDP vs. CRSC Explained
Key differences and who qualifies.

35:17 – Medical Retirement Pay vs. VA Pay
How offsets work and why most veterans must choose one.

39:23 – Why Military & VA Ratings Differ
Readiness vs. total disability explained.

41:49 – Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
How combat injuries can unlock both VA and military pay.

44:38 – Financial Impact of CRSC
Using compensation to build long-term financial stability.

45:47 – Final Advice for Veterans Filing Claims
Why education, preparation, and patience matter most.

46:04 – Closing Thoughts

Military life makes taxes complicated — PCS moves, deployments, overseas assignments, and multi-state residency can quickly turn a “simple” tax return into a mess. In this episode of The Military Wallet, Ryan Guina is joined by Mary Armstrong, CPA and founder of Tax Talk Advisors, to break down one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) military tax strategies: choosing and maintaining the right state of legal residence.

Mary explains the critical differences between home of record, duty station, and legal residence, how service members can legally reduce or eliminate state income taxes, and the common mistakes that trigger problems with state tax authorities. They also cover spouse residency rules, DFAS errors to watch for, and why military retirees need to pay close attention to changing state tax laws.

If you’re active duty, Guard, Reserve, or approaching retirement, this episode can help you avoid costly mistakes — and potentially save thousands of dollars over your career and retirement.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The difference between home of record, duty station, and legal residence
• How military members can legally change state residency
• Why no-income-tax states like Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and Alaska are popular choices
• How PCS moves and family location affect state tax obligations
• How spouses can adopt the service member’s legal residence
• Common DFAS tax withholding errors and how to catch them
• How states are changing laws to eliminate taxes on military retirement pay
• Property tax exemptions for veterans — and how lenders sometimes get them wrong
• Why failing to verify exemptions can lead to unexpected tax bills

⏱️ Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
Ryan introduces Mary Armstrong, CPA and military spouse.

01:06 – Why Military Taxes Are So Complicated
How “ifs, ands, and buts” dominate military tax law.

01:50 – Home of Record vs Duty Station vs Legal Residence
Why these are not the same — and why it matters.

03:48 – How States Determine Legal Residency
Physical presence, intent, and cutting ties with prior states.

04:42 – Using No-Income-Tax States Strategically
When and how to legally establish residency.

06:49 – DFAS Errors That Can Cost You Money
Why promotions sometimes trigger incorrect tax withholding.

08:46 – Spouse Residency Rules Explained
How military spouses can adopt the service member’s state.

10:13 – Military Retirement Pay & State Taxes
Why many states are phasing out taxes on military pensions.

11:58 – Property Tax & Veteran Exemptions
How disability ratings affect property taxes.

14:12 – Real Estate Tax Exemptions & Common Pitfalls
Why lenders sometimes misapply veteran exemptions.

15:49 – Avoiding Surprise Property Tax Bills
Why escrow errors can raise your mortgage payment.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

• Active-duty service members planning PCS moves
• Guard & Reserve members juggling multiple states
• Military spouses managing household taxes
• Service members approaching retirement
• Veterans trying to reduce state and property taxes

Learn about the ins and outs of the VA mortgage process with insights from an experienced mortgage underwriter. Ryan Guina sits down with Zach Gunter, an experienced VA loan underwriter from Veterans United. He clarifies what an underwriter does and the importance of home loan underwriting. Learn about the VA home loan mortgage process and make informed decisions as a veteran or active duty service member when buying a home.

Learn about the VA loan process and how pre approval mortgage is an important first step. Angie Sanders joins Ryan Guina in the 2nd full episode of The Military Wallet Podcast. Understanding the va home loan requirements can help you navigate the complexities of buying a home. Check out the video for more information about the VA home buying process.

For more information, check out TheMilitaryWallet.com

Many veterans don't know about the VA home loan, but they could be missing out on homeownership. Ryan Guina interviews 25-year VA loan expert on The Military Wallet Podcast. They discuss the ins and outs of a VA loan, highlighting why it's a great option for military members and veterans. Learn about the benefits of VA mortgages and how they compare to conventional loans, plus how to qualify for a VA home loan. You will also learn about VA loan eligibility, entitlement, how your Certificate of Eligibility works, and much more. Check it out to get important homebuying tips!