All Forum Posts by: Ben Pepin

I am 20 years old and just moved out to San Diego for the Navy. At the moment I live in the barracks but plan on finding a property to house hack somewhere in the San Diego area using the VA loan, so that I can put 0% down. My only issue is my income. Pretty soon I should be getting a promotion and will then be making about $4,400 per month. I plan on using rental income to help qualify me for a larger loan, but I'm still not sure if that will be enough since San Diego is such an expensive area. Does anyone know of anyone that was in my situation and was successful? Who can I talk to in San Diego that has experience with this?

@Bryan Snyder

Hey Bryan, yes I joined the military. I’ve been in the Navy for about 10 months now. I should be finding out soon where they are sending me for the rest of my contract and I plan on hopefully buying a property wherever that is.

I just started learning about real estate investing. If I plan on using a property to rent out, is it better to pay cash for the property or get a mortgage on it?

@David Pere

Just one question about the TSP? I plan on being in the military for 4 years. How does the TSP work after I get out? And I already have a ROTH IRA so should I try to invest in both of those while I'm in?

Thanks @Rich Carey,

I just plan on using the military as a way to go to school without getting into debt. And also saving up some money and using other benefits along the way. Once I get out I plan on finishing up school and then finding a higher paying job so that I can put more money into all types of investing. I already have a small amount of money put into a ROTH IRA. I also understand the military doesn't pay as much as many other careers but if I only plan on being in for around 4 years then I think it is worth with the benefits.

I am 18 and in my senior year of High School. I want to eventually start investing in and renting out properties. But I also want to join the military to save up some money and for the benefits like the free school and the VA loan. My questions are how can I start investing in real estate while in the military, what are some tips while doing it, and should I / am I able to get my real estate license now while in high school before I join the military to learn more about real estate and to benefit myself for when I start investing?