Tell them you want to contact multiple agents to find the ideal property and you therefore do not want an exclusive representation.

If the location is not ideal for her, she's more likely to move out to someplace better when her circumstances allow her to do so.

@Tim SiochengThis is not a beginner's ideal first property.

The life of a landlord is far easier training tenants as opposed to chasing them.New tenants get three strikes then they are out (ideally).

Ideally you'll qualify with your personal income for the loan, using a conventional fixed rate loan, so you should already be talking to a lender to make sure you're ready to qualify.

Other thing to not forget here is that ideally you are 'blocking' your central air to your 2 units you decide you are going to be installing these on.#3 - this is what we did with our duplex. 

Ideally, I’d like to buy a SFH or small multi unit with a VA loan where we can buy at a discount or force appreciation with some renovations while living there to gain equity quickly, then rent it out or sell when we move.Any advice on some areas with a reasonable commute to the Naval Station, good schools and low crime?

You should be getting multiple showings per week and ideally an application or two per week.

HELOC is ideal to access your cash. 

Ideally the attorney would be based in Fairfax or Loudoun County.Please pass along any recommendations you might have.