Renting while paying off a -plex in the military?

[Tristan Bexell]

Hey all. New guy to the forum and investing in general. Over the last few years I've been trying to figure out how to maximize my financial well being during my time in the military as well as when I leave. I just started researching real estate investing a few months ago and a question came to my mind. I would like to invest in a duplex or more....plex in a military town. However, I would like to have the plex as a pure investment and not living quarters mostly because I want to satisfy personal wants and my wife's as well. Has anyone ever rented while paying a mortgage on an investment? My job is secure and there is a good chance that I will be at this certain military base for quite some time due to my career path in the military. Is this a waste of time and money?

[Susan Maneck]

@Tristan Bexell I don't see any reason not to buy a multi-plex property but you could get such better deals on the financing if you established residency. That way you could get either a VA or FHA loan with hardly anything down. You don't have to live there permanently. Usually a year would meet the requirement.