Buying a Duplex in Anchorage

[Shaun Harbison]

I'm active duty in the military on JBER and I plan to remain here for the next three years then separate from the military and remain in Anchorage. My wife and I currently live on post but we are strongly considering purchasing a duplex or triplex in Anchorage for $500k to $650k with a VA loan to live in one unit and rent the other(s). Between BAH and rent I'd ideally like to make a small profit but looking at the cost of housing combined with the property taxes and utilities, it seems like it would be a struggle to just break even. My wife and I are first time home buyers so I feel like we're misunderstanding something. Basically we don't even know what we don't know. We currently have a lease to live on post until the end of July so were not trying to rush this but I want to be ready to pull the trigger when the right opportunity comes. Is there anyone here who was in a similar situation? What did you choose? Would you do it again? I would appreciate any insight from this community. Thank you.