Navy Sailor seeking advice on starting to invest w/ a VA loan

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Hello Bigger Pockets Community,
My name is Josiah Reutter. I have been in the Navy for one year and I am looking to start investing in real estate with the hope of being able to get out of the military with at least four houses that provide cash flow for my family. My wife and I are stationed in Va, but looking to purchase property in Ames, IA. We have family in the area who are willing to manage whatever properties that we aquire. I am looking for help from people that have experience renting in a college town/renovating single family houses to accomodate multiple students or instead sticking with a duplex or triplex. Also if anyone has experience with VA loans that would be wonderful to have input on how simple or difficult the process was. Thanks for your responses in advance!