U.S. Marine to real estate investor.

[Austin Timothy van meadows]

Hello my name is Austin, I recently got out of the Marine Corps less than a year ago and transitioning back into society. Currently I work as a industrial painter while my wife is going through the process of joining the Navy here in southern Illinois I have about 60k I've saved I'm 24 and have been looking into getting started in real estate investing. I have a basic understanding of real estate investing and real estate strategy looking for a possible mentor or just some good advice. My current plan is to continue saving money till the point my wife is stationed and find a multi-family home in the area to house hack, but I will be in southern Illinois for the next 6 months to a year curious if I should possibly get a rental now and take action or just want would be the best move for success starting out in real estate investing any advice is great appreciated and thank you!