So, after lurking around, trying to find places to get started on, I finally bit the bullet and got into PRO.I'm currently serving in the Royal Canadian Navy in Halifax, NS and I did a bit of googling and it lead me to believe that there is a market where I live.

I know a guy who tried real estate for a year, didn't like it and joined the Navy (4 years), and got all his education (Bachelor's and Master's) paid for and is hugely successful in finance. 

1) HELOC's usually go up to 45% DTI max some go to 50-55% but they may limit the HELOC down to 50-75k (navy fed FCU and BECU) so there are pros and cons.

I work with a contractor, (I am an admin for his business) and he has a team of people who rehab houses for the navy.

That street is great for Navy couples too, since its close to the base.

I have also put in French drains around the exterior.

A couple thing I noticed:Lack of curb appeal, front needs grass Missing carpet transition between roomsMissing interior door knobsMissing outlet cover in kitchenI would put in kitchen backsplash Burnt out and inconsistent light bulbsPainted wood panel looks cheapGold door knob on exterior French doorNo cabinet pullsLaundry room is how you get to deck?

Currently active duty Navy from Atlanta, GA but in San Diego, CA now. 

Also fixed the outside and installed a french drain down the side of the house.  

I'm most interested in buy and hold in the Pittsburgh area with the goal of building enough passive income to be financially independent.A little background:I'm originally from Northern Virginia and graduated from WVU before joining the navy.