First Investment, House Hack, VA Loan, Fortwalton, Destin FL

[Clinton Levi Lindley]

Hello BP!

For my first investment I am searching for a "house hack" on the Emerald Coast of Florida. I was recently pre-approved for a VA loan in the amount of $424,000. I do not want to spend the whole amount. When I return from deployment I will be working in Illinois for at least two weeks out of each month (I will be returning to the states within the next 3 months). The exact dates I work in Illinois will be up to me. Rehab projects, at this point, are out of the question due to my financing. The decisions I feel I have at this point is 1. House hack a multi family property (ones that do not need work have been to come by) OR 2. House hack a small condo on or close to the beach as a vacation rental while I work in Illinois.

So! I am just looking for any and all input from those with more experience than myself. Thank you in advance!