To combat this I decided to join a local REI and step out of my comfort zone.

I wanted to know if anyone has any help with combating these.

We used bonus money for our career field, reenlistment funds, tax free from deployments, combat, hazardous duty pay, flight pay...whatever extra we could put aside for down-payments on houses. 

In the article it mentions that a good way to combat a tenant giving you the name and number of a friend or family member, is to call the current landlord first and ask if they have any vacancies.

., plus the utilities you mentioned- water, Wi-Fi, shared amenities such as paper towels and soap etc.I’m not trying to be combative, as your point makes sense.

I have interest in starting some community initiatives in the area including one to combat the infant mortality issue in the area, and another to help with resume development and interview skills.

Is this just part of the process or how have you guys combatted this now or in the past?

However, we have to combat getting a good deal vs going nuts on rentals for 85% of ARV (which is what a lot of people are doing in Houston right now). 

If not why are you on  here ( JUST ASKING not being combative )? 

Is there any way to combat this, or does it just come with the territory?