A word of advice, as a former active duty Marine, one of the very few things in my life I would change if I could would be to start investing earlier, while still active duty.

My plan right now is to purchase my first investment property this summer, preferably near where I live in Marin County.  

First I am sorry for your loss, and as a former Marine, I am sure it has been tough to manage these affairs at such a great distance.Second, I think your plan is great.  

Needless to say it took awhile to implement anything I had learned.I dabbled in investing while I was still in the Marines but our deployment cycle at the time was pretty insane so I didn't get much beyond having a few single family rental homes on the side.I medically retired after a back injury a few years ago. 

I have already posted a couple of times, but am finally getting around to telling y'all a little about myself.I am a marine scientist currently working as a fisheries observer in the Hawaii longline fishery.

It is with SafeCo insurance, I'm not sure if you have them on your coast, the Seattle Mariner's play at SafeCo Field (used to until t-mobile paid more for naming rights)

I would like to start investing in real estate as an owner occupant, I just recently got discharged from the Marine Corps and will be using my VA Loan for a 0% down payment.I have a good amount of savings around $15k but given the fact that I just got discharged do not have a long work history with my new job.

After serving 5 years in the US Marine Corps, I will be transitioning out into the civilian world in a few months.

There is a small group of BP-ers that meet up in Marin every couple of months as well if you want to chat in person.

I joined the Marine Corps and I am now stationed in the San Diego Area but I have been looking primarily in the Dallas Fort Worth area for investing.