@Jessica Marin, Sorry the reply has taken so long.

After all you're a Marine..

Irry,First off, tell us where you're at or where you plan on moving when you get out.Second, as a former Marine who has been in the "wonderful civilian IT sector" since 1999, good luck on getting out.

My profile tells a bit about me but I'll repeat the highlights.I am a recently retired US Marine.

I am a Marine Corps veteran recently honorably discharged, looking to make a difficult decision.

Hi Jesse There are two clubs in the SF Bay Area I frequent.In Marin is www.bawb.infoOn the peninsula/San Jose there is sjrei.orgthere are others as well, but I tend to attend one of these mgtings, depending on topic and my schedule.PM me if you would like a ride to bawb tomorrow night.

The reason I put "unique lifestyle" in the subject is because I am a Merchant Mariner.

I'm transitioning from the Marine Corps next summer and looking to buy and hold as well. 

As far as investing back in TN, I actually have a good POC (fellow Marine Officer) for a turnkey company that specializes in SFR purchases with IRAs, either traditional or Roth and so I am actually working with them right now as well to purchase my second property in Memphis using my Roth IRA.

Matt,I can't speak for the residential space, but for commercial transactions (especially multifamily and retail), I highly recommend Matt Hollander of BluePoint Commercial up in Marin County.