Va Mortage/Newbie needs advice

[Drew McCrory]

Hello everyone, 

I'm a newbie here on BP and just created my accounty today! I am currently in the military and will be getting my VA home loan benefits in a year when I get back from my deployment. I have a plan in place to buy a 4-plex and live in one of the units for a year and also negotiate closing costs to minimalize my out of pocket investment. However, I am conflicted on whether to invest in a college town where properties are a bit more expensive but will for sure be rented out by students with parents on the line as co lease, or in Toledo where property prices are a bit cheaper but finding tennants may be a bit tougher with more expenses. On the other hand I have a thought that in Toledo the chances of tennants staying longer are greater than in a college town which will lower expenses.. If you could could all give me your great input I would really appreciate it. Once again I have never invested before so any advice will help. Thanks!