Would starting out in a duplex be a good start?

[Taig Blum]

I'm 21 years old and plan on using a VA loan to purchase my first home. I'm looking at buying a duplex and living in one unit and renting out the other. I hear this is a great way to start out and really save on some money. I plan on doing this until I can purchase a single family home for just me and rent both units out on the duplex.

Any advice or input would be very appreciative.