I'm also a full-time W-2 earner (Navy Officer) in SoCal who invests in real estate on the side.

I am a 41 year old 100% service connected disabled US Navy veteran considered total and permanent.

As a Navy guy, I typically get stationed at expensive locations so I have to find other markets.

I have not done it internationally, but I have purchased, managed, BRRRR'd, and flipped multiple properties out-of-state successfully while active duty military (I've been in the Navy for a little over 14 years now).I recommend starting with David Greene's book "Long-Distance Real Estate Investing".

@George Walker IV I'm an active duty Navy Corpsman.

Fellow military guy here (active duty Navy). 

However, since you're qualified for the VA loan guarantee, you should also be able to join Navy Federal Credit Union.

I assume I'll be trying to get traffic from either Six Flags Great America traffic or Navy Graduation families.My main reason for purchasing in this area is to have a vacation home for myself.

I'm an active duty Navy officer, and I invest out of state since my local market is so expensive (San Diego). 

My dad is retired military, so its seems there are some nice options available for either navy federal or marine federal (which he is already a member of).