New Investor using VA Loan (Zero Down)

[Christopher Short]

Looking to purchase a Duplex, Fourplex, or Multi-Family home within the next 6-12 months before I deploy to EUCOM around September, 2019. Would love any advice, comments, thoughts, and concerns from any and all parties.

I am currently in the research phase of my investing career. I am reading books, listening to podcast, searching zillow, looking at houses, reading BiggerPockets, and talking to others. I am also paying off my credit card IOT help build my credit and add to my savings. I have already been pre-approved for the VA Loan through multiple banks (~$250k).

After some research into the VA Loan, I have come across a stipulation that you must INTEND to move into the property within 60 days of the closing date. Once moved into one of the units, you need to live in the house for one year (house hacking). One loophole I came across while looking at this option was that if you receive PCS or deployment orders, you may leave and break this clause (just as you can break an apartment or rental lease).

Learning more about the VA Loan lead me to the idea of purchasing my first investment rental property (buy and hold property) about a month or two before my next deployment. Purchasing a property at this time would allow for me time to move in, fix any issues, and rent out the other three units. Once I deploy I will be able to rent out the fourth unit and ideally receive positive cash flow from all four units. I plan on using a rental management company to help rent and run the property.

If anyone has done something similar to this, I would love to hear your story! I plan on doing this in Killeen, TX or greater Killeen Area.

Being a new investor and new to BiggerPockets, I would like to thank you for your time and help!