A domestic insurer may invest in obligations secured by first mortgages, first deeds of trust or other similar liens upon terminal, depot or tunnel property, including lands, buildings and appurtenances, used in the service of transportation by one or more railroad corporations whose obligations are eligible as investments under § 38.2-1421. However, these obligations shall be (i) the direct obligation of the corporation or corporations, or (ii) guaranteed by endorsement by, or guaranteed by endorsement assumed by the corporation for the payment of principal and interest of those obligations. If the guarantee or assumption of guarantee is by two or more of the corporations, it shall be joint and several as to each. No such investment shall be made if there has been any default in the payment of principal or interest since the issuance of the obligations but not to exceed five years from the date of investment.