Military Investor in Atlanta area

[Gwendolyn Cummings]

Hi! I currently reside in Atlanta GA, I am also interested in investing here. I am a Active Duty military member and will only reside here for 2.5 more years. I have been interested in real estate investing  since returning from deployment 3 years ago. I saved up a small amount of money and decided I wanted to invest in something worth while. I have attended several seminars, read a few books and I also participate in "meet up" events. I have to say my greatest source of knowledge has come from You Tube only because the information found there is often relayed in a manner I can understand. However, I still feel like there's tons of knowledge I'm lacking which makes me feel completely inadequate in terms of negotiating an actual deal.

I am looking to invest in a duplex or triplex in the Atlanta area (westside) using the VA loan. I do intend to reside in one unit. It is January, I am hoping to find something no later than June as my current lease is up in August. I am prepared to break the lease in the event I find something before August.

I have read lots of information concerning the competitive market, cash buyers and the limited amount of duplexes that are not distressed. 

In your opinion, what should be my first step. How do you recommend finding a reliable real estate agent that is well versed in investor properties? How have you met your mentors? The biggest question I have is: should a first time investor stay away from distressed properties? This is a particular concern for me because I will need to reside there and I have a 11 month old, also myself nor my husband are handy.  I have read conflicting opinions concerning distressed properties for first time buyers. Are you or do you know any other Active Duty Investors?

Thank You!!