Looking for a VA Multifamily property in the Houston area - not having any luck

[Ian Briggs]

My budget is ~$400k and I'm looking to use the VA loan in order to take advantage of the zero down payment. The problems I'm running in to are:

1. Most of the multifamily properties are in the Third Ward area, and I have a wife and young daughter so I'm not really comfortable living there.

2. I can't look for a "fixer-upper" to put some sweat equity in to it because from what I've read the VA restrictions are pretty harsh (it basically has to be move in ready). This limits my choices further.

3. The nicer properties are out of my budget.

I'm willing to go as far north as the Woodlands, as far south as Pearland, as far east as Baytown and as far west as Katy. I'm new to RE investing, and am taking the classes to be an agent (if that matters) and am a 60% disabled veteran. Thank you for all of your help!