All I wanted to do was welcome youand give you one source for findingrental properties for you to "salt away" when you are ready:United States Department of Veterans Affairs' Homes.Here's an official government link toVA homes avail for sale all over the US:https://va.equator.com/index.cfm?

I've visited the property and it appears to be cosmetic (stained carpets, dirty toilets, sinks, tubs, paint), however I am taking the $16k with a grain of salt.

I've been learning about different real estate investing strategies for a couple years now but I'm just not getting into the game for real and haven't done any deals yet, so take my advice with a grain of salt...But I'm in a similar situation as you as far as not having money to start with (my credit's okay, but not super great either).

I am active duty military in Salt Lake City for 2 more years but my place of residence is Lindenhurst, Illinois (40 mins from Chicago).

So take my thoughts as a grain of salt :-)

Not to put salt in the wound, but to warn others Don't pay until after the work is complete.   

Unfortunately, you will have to take their word with a grain of salt and do your own research.

@Kerry Hennessy We may not have salt water size fish, but I have to classify my 45" Musky as a real fish =) Back to the duplex.Before you can start considering deal you will need to understand how to better analyze these deals.

I always buy NEW shovels and plenty of sand and salt for every house I rent at the start of Winter, which pays dividends towards plow/shovel costs.

Hey everyone, my partner and I bought our first rental in Tooele, UT. We're almost done with the rehab, drywall going up this weekend finally haha.

We have had a couple snags though, our painters and cabinet...