And if you're serious you'll modify your life style short term to create some funds to get started. 

AS for taking action for me real estate is a lifestyle I know no other way to live.. growing up in a Real estate family and getting licensed at 18 and working from that day on.. for 40 plus years.. 

(Lifestyle By Design) 

@Jeff Wallace The position I held with my employer (while very lucrative) just didn't fit the lifestyle I had envisioned for my wife and I.

The resons people rent a SFR over an apprtment accoring what they tell me at showings:- want privacy / not hear their neighbors through the walls- want a yard, maybe have a dog, would like to have friends over for a BBQ - think lifestyle!

I have been a landlord for about 25 years and it's definitely NOT the romantic "sit back and collect the checks" lifestyle that some would have you believe. 

Determine what niche my military lifestyle fits around...?.

@Nick if you are self-employed and couldn't make your payments (not just on your real-estate, but on other debt and bills) for a few years without your income, I'd get short-term and long-term disability insurance in place for you and any other breadwinner if you don't have them, they are expensive, but will protect your assets and lifestyle for your family in the event that something happens, regardless of a downturn.

There's more to a home's value than sticker price, detail this home's value-adds to your family and lifestyle. 

With my current lifestyle I don't know if I could go back to BRRR / house hacking . . . so it's all about your own personal goals and life situation.If it helps, I had no rehab experience going into my first project.