Newbie to BP and REI! New Jersey

[John Jimenez]

Hey guys, glad to have found this awesome site!

My names John Jimenez, I am 24 years old, married and currently a member of the USAF living in Idaho, who's contract ends March 2017. 

My current plans are to move back to New Jersey at the end of my contract and use my GI Bill for college and housing, and purchase a duplex (living in one of the units) using the VA loan. I would love to one day own many homes which I rent out for passive income (Buy and Hold?), and possibly even some flipping down the line. As of right now I am on podcast episode 35 and have recently started reading the beginners guide, both of which I really enjoy!

Currently since I live in Idaho I am not really confident in purchasing any homes in New Jersey so I would rather wait till March 2017 to begin my real estate "career", but I plan to soak up as much knowledge as I can until that time to better prepare myself. Does anyone else who has had a similar experience have any advice for a newbie like me? 

I look forward to getting to know as much people as I can! Thanks for any advice I receive!

-John Jimenez