If you haven't already, it would likely be worth your time to start having conversations with some of your local bankers / credit unions about your options around conventional financing vs.

Being military I like having full control of my assets and getting my hands dirty but the cost of travel around the country even with property managers is a big hassle however using a yurn key company like Roofstock , which is similar, I feel more comfortable with it.

I am targeting  Jersey City, Union City and West New York.

I haven't gotten started investing yet, but I plan to begin after my next move with the military (PCS). 

Hello BP! My name is Aaron Hess and I am in the Army and just got stationed in Alaska. I will be here for the next three years. I am brand new to real estate reading some books and listening to BP podcasts. I am consi...

As to your next / first steps....If you haven't already, I would recommend that you start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

I really would like to hit 75% does anyone have any small local credit unions in the area that they like doing business with?

However, Patriot, Union, and Concord do, too.Feel free to message me with any questions. 

I’m looking to purchase my first property in the next 12 months before I get out of the Military.

Have you contacted local small and medium banks, or credit unions?