Finding a start

[Andrew Trani]

Hey everyone, I recently just decided that real estate investing would be a great way to build income and be financially  free.  I have been educating myself on biggerpockets, with reading a lot and listening to as many podcasts as possible.  I decided that buy and hold investing, starting with small multi family homes to rent out and maybe one day move up.  I was thinking to start this process by buying a duplex and living in one renting out the other.  However, the fiance is not on bored with this strategy and therefore, she will never live in a duplex.  

My question from this is what would be a good next step that will set me up for a good investing future. I was going to use my VA loan on my duplex but she wants a house, so the loan will go there. Is there still some investing in real estate that I can do while paying off a single family home. I just can't see any good options. thanks

Drew