He was a former marine, just like me, and he just got a giant VA settlement.

I was living in the trailer park when I shipped off to Marine Corps boot camp at the age of 17 right before 9/11. 

I'm a retired military guy who served in both US Marines and US Navy as an enlisted and later retired as Naval Supply Officer.  

Between the Marine Corps base nearby, and the amount of people who aren't yet able to buy in NoVa, they will end up doing the same thing as you... getting something cheap from craigslist, Ikea, etc.

Something the local economy has been benefitting from recently.Jacksonville of course is the famous home of Camp Lejeune the Marine Base established in the 1940's, and still home to nearly 160,000 active and retired military, their families and all work personnel.

Just read an article about a former Marine moving his family there from GA.https://www.businessinsider.co...

I agree 100% with @William HochstedlerWhen I left the Marines I made the mistake of settling down as soon as I got out and didn't take advantage of the RARE opportunity you have when you first EAS.

I took a $400,000K HELOC from my primary residence in Marin County and purchased eight properties in Rochester NY - mix of a duplexes and SFR's on the theory that California property served as a kind of "stock" and that I needed some "bonds" in my portfolio.   

Started a title company Bought equity in 3 businessesStill an active duty Marine.

The only plywood I would even consider is marine grade plywood, and it’s extremely cost prohibitive.Self leveler would likely be a better solution for you.