I currently am stationed at Pope AAF (Ft Bragg) North Carolina and am interested in investing in Montgomery Alabama because it seems to be cheap.

Ok, yes, apartment complexes are commercial in nature...but things like self-storage, gas stations, warehousing, etc. just aren't really covered here.  

We recently found out that the new "Aggie Super Highway" from Houston to College Station will have frontage on our property.

RSAF used to fly Chinooks for years out of Grand Prairie TX and had several hundred stationed here. 

There are always events going on at the beach- tents, radio stations, volleyball tournaments... and surfing, of course.  

Best of both worlds because they can still watch the local ABC, CBS etc stations.  

So the land costs $300000 and it has curbs and gutters and to build 10 beds which is a teenie tiny operation you need showers, sinks, a nursing station, electronics and ADA compliance so to build a 4000 square foot place it's going to cost $1,600,000 (architect's plans, cost breakdowns, contractor. permits, state inspections...)   

@Zachary Gilula - A few years ago I was in a situation to acquire a property that was an abandoned gas station.

Though I am still in college, I am determined to house hack a 2-4 unit multifamily unit using the VA loan in whichever city I am stationed.  

18th Street is a priority corridor within Pilsen for development by the City and the local Alderman, especially on the western end of the corridor by the the Pink line station.