Stuck and Looking for Some New Perspective

[David M.]

My wife and I are moving to Columbus, Ga for the Army. I am a commissioned officer and after I am done with training in GA we will move to our first duty station for a period of about three years. I do not know where my first station is, but i do know i have at least 9 months in GA. My wife and I want to get into the real estate game and have the long term goal of financial independence by the time my 6 years are up. We have been looking at properties to buy and rent out in the Scranton, PA area and the Reading, PA area. Using an FHA loan and signing the mortgage with my brother we could go in on a property together and he would manage it while I am gone or wait on it all together. We really would like to get started with this process, but the VA has the occupancy rule and the FHA is a route I believe as long as my brother occupies one side. I am wondering if there are other ways I could get started while waiting to get to my duty station. Looking for any advice for someone that has been in this situation or could provide different avenues that I may have overlooked. Thank you and any comments are appreciated.