I’m active duty Air Force (for less than six months) before retiring after 30 years.

Assessing both macro and microeconomics is vital.

At least not while I am active duty.

The best strategy I've seen is some purchase a home for every duty station they are located at. 

But in your case, it doesn't appear that you are looking to relinquish the property management duties.

Not to mention, they are not legally able to perform any of the duties or services they accept payments for.

I'm not sure how a lot of other agents work, but I don't show my fiduciary duties until I have an exclusive representation agreement signed.

Since we are in the business of providing housing for people, it should be our duty to understand how policy affects our business and we should be able to have these discussions, respectfully of course. 

I’m active duty Air Force with four rental properties.

I do agree that having a clear timeline and budget is vital and am actively doing my due diligence with researching that subject.