I am hesitant to call this one my first "deal" for two reasons: (1) I haven't closed on it yet and (2) the circumstance of absolutely needing a residence to live in took precedence over taking my time to find a killer deal with concrete criteria. 

However, I feel like this can be a great opportunity given the right circumstances and guidance.

@Trevor DickieYes, the 2-yr gap rule is a problem.If the sale of your current home is not due to some unforeseeable circumstances - like job change, health etc. - then your best option is to pay tax on the condo.

I was in the Air Force for 8 years, and had planned to make it a career, now because of certain circumstances I have been back in the civilian world for the last two years and I am now realizing that I don't want to work for someone else for the rest of my life never finding financial freedom.

Mason, it all depends on the rest of your life circumstances. 

You should have never under any circumstances allowed that to happen.

And filling vacant lots in the best of circumstances is not a cake walk.

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. 

Remeber that the intent of the buyer can change with the circumstances if that's the case. 

I have students and roommates sign an agreement that if there are circumstances where one wants to leave, the other(s) will be responsible for the full amount of rent, and the student/roommate who is leaving will have to pay a fee equal to their share of the rent (equally divided rent by the number of occupants).