Some say to snooze the listing on one platform to book on another, but then you'll tank in the algorithm (especially if it's Airbnb). 

Welcome @Ryan Mumby BP is an excellent resource to help you with your goals I did a similar plan, bought and rented at ost of my duty stations (except Germany and Korea) so now I have several properties providing cash flow as i get ready for retirement Goal is doable.

On the commercial side this is still tricky because we are talking about 100% financing, but it’s doable.

I am not saying the structure of the deal is not doable for commercial financing.  

Sure, it is "safe" to just leave the equity in the house, but remember Investors invest capital and not just let it snooze. 

It doable and I've done it before, but if prices drop 20% over the next 1-2 years, and with typical 10% costs to sell (6 % commission plus closing costs), you're out a lot if you need to sell. 

Being a multifamily owner out of state and active duty is totally doable! 

So your scenario is doable and not to overly complicated.

He was also able to introduce me to other local investors and I was able to quickly build up a team there.With the numbers you are looking at, that is definitely doable in Allentown, although I might suggest starting off with a property in the 100-150k range so you will have extra cash for rehab.

They may be millenials who like the area but can't afford it on their regular income, so they owner occupy and the additional income from a rental suite makes it doable to buy there.