Sounds to me like you’ve correctly completed the forms but are unhappy with the EFC. I would contact the CSS help desk and ask them about reporting both homes. I’ve found them to be helpful when I was confused on what numbers to report. Later if you are questioned you can refer to the answer provided. As far as your specific questions:
- VA has strict rules on claiming in-state residency, I'd step through them. They require things like a VA drivers license, VA job, taxes paid as a VA resident, voter registration and where you voted, etc.
- Listing your MD home as primary will present other questions. For sure it will eliminate in-state tuition. Do you report both houses as rentals on your US taxes?
Both FASFA and the CSS Profile use your US taxes to verify the info provided. CSS will also require paystubbs, plus they use the equity in your primary home anyway. Sounds to me like your strategies don’t meet their criteria but a quick phone call to the school can answer that.