Recently leaving the military last June I can understand the need to invest and utilize every single resource the military gives us.

I was previously a firefighter/EMT for 10 years before following my wife all over the place as a military spouse.

I am an active-duty military member preparing to make my first-ever property purchase using my VA loan.

My wife Aradia and I are a few years out from retiring from the military and have decided to get involved with real estate investing.

Unless there's an actual provision in your specific loan agreement that prevents you from renting it out for 1 year, it's not an actual requirement, just "gouge," to use the military jargon, that people like to throw around as a rule of thumb.The point of the VA Loan is to provide service members and veterans the opportunity to purchase a primary residence. 

My friend (also military) has told me that I can refinance and lower my payment and I should at least wait to hit the year mark.

Also, how would we manage our property while working full time in the military?

We saved up extra pays from military deployments, cashed out stocks and mutual funds, When we got a promotion, we set aside the funds over the old salary for a deposit. 

While not military, I have many similar circumstances, including the constraints, as an investor.Right now I am aiming to continue educating myself, but I would like, ideally, to reach out to folks in Jacksonville, FL (and other FL areas), Alabama, and Tennessee to build teams and expand my investments. 

Don't drive your typical military mobile (stupid big tricked out truck or souped up gas guzzling hot rod).Max your TSP.