I met a girl and 6 years later she is now my wife, and stayed in the Navy Reserves.

We bought a foreclosure that we than fixed up and rented it out when we were transferred (my husband is active duty navy). 

I was looking at some of the duplexes near downtown Portsmouth, VA, in the section north of I-264 and east of I-164 (near the Navy Medical Center) because you can pick some up for $20K-60K; but they are all circa 1900, need a lot of work, and there are a lot of boarded up houses in that area.

I used to be one of those same people until I decided to join the navy, which changed my mindset, work ethic and life forever.

I am currently living in Pensacola Florida while going through training with the Navy.

I've heard great things about credit unions (Wescom, Navy Federal, etc.) but I'd like more information/advice. 

Well, considering in my life I have lived in:- An apartment in a high-crime ghetto;- A condemned house with a swimming pool in the basement;- a tent for 4 months when we were homeless;- a bunk on a US Navy ship;Any of my rentals would be a major upgrade.

My name is Mike Keating and I am an active duty Navy Submarine Officer living in the Northern Virginia area. 

Navy Federal Credit Union has some great rates, the Small Business Association offers military business loans, and the Veterans Association offers free business advice.

Since most kids have no idea what it is they want to do, well... they spend $10-20k a year to just kinda get their bearings....Unless you know the result of your efforts, i am not sure the cost is worth it now.Just go join the Navy (or whatever service).