Starting out in Traverse City, MI

[Matt Mccammon]

Hello BiggerPockets community,

I'm a military pilot moving to Traverse City, MI for my next assignment. I'm new to real estate investing, but have spend the past year information gathering,practicing analyzing deals, and generally learning the basics in preparation for my next move. Having just found out I'll be moving to Traverse City, I'm hoping to learn the market, make connections in the area and start looking for my first deal!

Goals:
Short term:
Having just found out I'll be moving to Traverse City, I'm hoping to
learn the market, make connections in the area and start looking for my
first deal!
Long Term:
Over the next year, I hope to purchase (with a 30 year VA loan) a single family or small multifamily in need of updating, do a live-in flip style renovation, and have the property ready to be used as a rental.
I hope to have at least 2 properties in Traverse City using this method (subsequent loans will be 30 year conventional) over the next 4 years, holding them as long term rentals.