Am I Thinking Right?!

[T Smith]

Our house is paid for, and we are trying to figure out the best way to buy our first investment property. We want to have a small amount or no "skin" in the game if possible. We are thinking of two ways to make our first purchase: 1. Use my VA benefits to buy a SFR (but preferably a duplex to live in one side and have the tenants pay the loan back and satisfy the live in requirement of the VA) with no money down, or 2. Take equity out of the primary residence to pay for down payment and closing on the rental. Which is the best option? Is there another that we are missing? Thanks in advance for your assistance?