I believe that multi-families are a far-far safer and more profitable bet.

Your best bet is to have your agent recommend a legit lender....require buyers to meet Their preapproval process (a real one, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, etc)....they don’t have use your lender for the loan, but meet their preapproval standards.

Now idea how that would be monitored but if they could find a way I bet they'd get a new level of engagement from those with a lot of experience.I know I have my own questions from time to time but don't really ask as there really isn't a forum designed for and checked by those who have been doing what I'm interested in discussing. 

@Scott Fehrenkamp I'm betting you can find somewhere that would be at least break even when you move out.I plan to pay a little bit when I'm living in a househack if I'm just renting the other side as a long term rental and am the only person occupying my side. 

But to be honest with you, If you do not learn some construction skills, your progress will be a lot slower!

I also wouldn't worry about base closures because Bragg is a pretty solid bet.

I am in the process of build a detached ADU in San Jose... will report back the progress.

They are willing to sign but don't understand they are taking full reponsibility, no matter how hard I try to explain.They want a shorter term, they have no credit, they have a pet, and I'm willing to bet they don't have a Landlord reference, either.Hard pass.

I haven't been to AL for a while but I'm betting there aren't too many dog sled training properties. ;-) Oddly enough, there are a bunch of ice skating rinks and ice hockey here in the desert.

Your best bet is to put yourself out there and continue to go to meetups and network.