Initial funding to start investing?

[Steve Gunasingh]

I am a newbie in REI. I have always wanted to invest in it. I was hoping to start out by using my VA loan benefits to obtain a multi family property however I was informed that I would have to live physically in the house for 6 months(not just use it as my mailing address) if I wanted to. Due to my military lifestyle I will not be able to do that for atleast another year! I do not have the money to make the initial 20% downpayment. So is my only option waiting till I save up the money(will take forever since I am a low ranking military member)? I just want to get the ball rolling.

Also I was considering purchasing multi family homes in either Ohio,Oregon or Washington State. I see the best return on my investment in Ohio.