In 1.5 years, I will be moving to a large university town to start a dental residency program, and I am viewing this as an opportunity to invest in my first property.

Are there specific military programs or contacts I should look into for housing opportunities?

Great program.

I was googling programs and came across baselane and it sounds like exactly what i need.

This is an option to consider and many larger banks/credit unions and nationwide mortgage lenders have released new loan programs allowing 2nds, HELOANS and HELOCS.

See the chart from Fair Isaac Company (FICO) below: FICO Score Pct of Population Default Probability 800 or more 13.00% 1.00% 750-799 27.00% 1.00% 700-749 18.00% 4.40% 650-699 15.00% 8.90% 600-649 12.00% 15.80% 550-599 8.00% 22.50% 500-549 5.00% 28.40% Less than 499 2.00% 41.00% Source: Fair Isaac CompanyAccording to this chart, investors should use corresponding vacancy+tenant-nonperformance factors of approximately 5% for Class A rentals, 10% for Class B and 20% for Class C.To address Class C payment challenges, many industry "experts" are now selling programs to newbie investors about how Section 8 tenants are the cure.

It’s a great way to start building equity while offsetting living costs, and programs like FHA loans can make it easier to get in with a lower down payment.Since your parents are open to diversifying into real estate, that could be a big advantage, especially with the equity they have tied up in their property.

I have found some information that might be helpful John.There are government backed programs like Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation Loan and Freddie Mac Home Possible Renovation Loan, in addition to the FHA 203k loan. 

The program is not what we had hoped for.

I have been using Stessa for years and don't want to lose all that I have stored in the program.