First Home Turned Rental

[Cole Falkenstine]

Hello all,

I am a 21-year-old Army ROTC Cadet. I commission and move to my first duty station spring of 2022. I would like to purchase a house to live in for the 1-2 years while I am there (renting other rooms out to my buddies at the same duty station), and then rent out the entire house through the duration of the rest of my career. My ultimate goal is to build a portfolio of buy and hold properties that will eventually become cash flow when I get out of the Army.  

Looking to purchase around Fort Benning, Georgia. How can I educate myself on the market in that area when I am located a good distance away? Also, what are the most important things I can be doing for the next 12 months to prepare for purchasing next spring?

Thank you!