Military, Buying a rental property

[Jacob P. Cybulski]

I bought my first house near Camp Lejeune, NC about 6 months ago. I am house hacking and have roommates who pay the mortgage. I have a friend who is leaving soon and is willing to sell me their house for $200k when the house is definitely worth more. He has asked that we forgo a realtor but I am unsure. I have enough saved up for a down payment of 20% but that would deplete the majority of my savings. This is my first rental property and I want to do this right. 

Are there any other military investors in the area that can talk with me or give me their advice on the situation? Thanks for any assistance in advance.