How to get the most bang for my bucks...

[Donald Hendricks]

Being new to this real estate investing world, I have been reading a ton on BP and in other places. Also joined a guru REI club but only spent $500.00 on it, had I found BP first, I likely would not have done that. All things considered, I learned a lot from them.

In June I will be starting my real estate investing. I will have $70,000 in cash to start with. I also have about $80,000 in equity that I can take out of my private residence if I do a cash out refi.

My question is this... I have a VA loan that I can use to get me in a deal with zero down & minimal costs provided the property is of standard - OR - I could use that VA loan to do the cash out refi. What would be the best way to use this VA loan? I was leaning towards using it to buy a 4-plex and living in one unit, and renting out my current primary residence, getting the most doors in a cheap easy loan. The issue is, I want to refi the primary too.

My intent in investing is long term hold & cash flow. I have a job that pays me about $75,000 a year, good credit and a burning desire to get on with this already.

What say you?