I’m active duty Air Force with four properties, three are VA loans.We can connect on a chat to share how I did it.I wish you all the best.

The tenants sent me certified letters threating to sue me because of air conditioning problems that I had approved to fix but Renters Warehouse did not work/communicate well with the warranty company.

BRRRR, flips, long-term buy and holds, high cash flow, good potential appreciation in the right areas, mid-term rentals (many traveling nurses come here because of the Cleveland Clinic), Air Bnbs, etc.

I'm a flight test engineer by day, currently stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, FL (just across the bay from Destin). 

Water, air, sewage?

I haven't had any problems at higher temperatures, but the lock itself is inside an air conditioned property.

I’m active duty Air Force and maxed out my VA loan with three properties.Birmingham has some cheaper properties, but may not bring the cash flow that STRs in Florida might bring.It all depends on your timeline, numbers, funds, and comfort level.

I'm still up in the air.

Some people are allergic to rabbit hair so I would need to get the air ducts and entire house deep cleaned if the tenant moves out. 

I personally like it when there is a IRS lien scares the uninformed away and much less competition .. it also keeps those that MUST get a HML to pay off the cash they invested as quick as possible..