Do any other investors in or near the Spokane, WA area have any recommendations for a local bank or credit union for a first time home buyer?

So glad you've already plugged into the Bigger Pockets podcast - that was a huge source of education for me when I first started.If you haven't already, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust (you've already had a few chime in here with recommendations ;), and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

Military and College creates demand. 

I recently went to a bunch of the credit unions in Philadelphia (American Heritage, Sun Federal, PFCU, Trumark Financial, PSECU, and Franklin Mint) to see the terms of their HELOCs.

So glad you've already plugged into the Bigger Pockets podcast - that was a huge source of education for me when I first started.You mentioned that you had solid mortgage brokers lined up, but if I could add from experience...I would recommend that you talk to multiple lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

We have an excellent relationship with the landlord - he is a retiring military officer and lived in the home for 10 years prior to us moving in.

GOAL: we surpass the milestone and target of 10k$ a month net passive income —so we can FIRE, we currently working are in active duty military family and stationed in the panhandle of Florida.

LOCATIONMidwestern city of 140,000, within a mile of a military base and university (17,000 enrolled).  

I plan on joining the military is this a good strategy?

Unfortunately, prices in my area are crazy, so we narrowed it down to Jersey City, Union City or West New York.