Help and old vet do his first house-hack in San Diego

[Gabriel Rivera III]

Hello all, this is my first post, but I've been binging Bigger Pockets since last December. Great stuff. I'm 65, close to retirement but wanting to work for a couple more years for the steady paycheck while I get into my first home. Currently, I'm single, renting a room and paying alimony to my ex. I'll be using my VA to try to get into a tri-plex or 4 plex that I can house hack. I'm looking for a local realtor and money lender who understands all the ins and outs of what I'm trying to do. That and I have a couple of questions. I have my DD-214, do I need to acquire a certificate of eligibility or does my realtor do that? Do I find my own money lender or does the VA do that; as I'm looking to cut out the need for a broker? Appreciate any advise/direction. Thanks! Gabe