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!

[Anson Young]

Austin, Welcome!!  You should absolutely be taking action now, doing anything you can to hone your skills while you wait to make your next move.  Whether is analyzing deals, walking properties, getting ideas on repair costs, networking, reading, listening to podcasts...  @Craig Curelop's book on house hacking is awesome, if thats going to be your starting point!