To supplement your current business, and the BP podcast and network/forum, I'd suggest other additional podcasts like Mark Ferguson's invest four more, and Joe Fairless' podcast Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever Show, and I enjoy listening to Engelo Rumora on the various podcasts.Looking into other niches would be a good use of time.

I'm looking at retiring from my current job in a few years, so looking for what's "next" and for supplemental income.

Is there any kind of gov't assistance he or I can get to supplement his rent during his deployment?

A typical buyer will be a Baby Boomer with some cash who needs both a place to live and some supplemental income.In any event, don't get locked into a single RE investment track by simply following crowd.

Flipping, to me, does not seem to be the way to build long term wealth, it's more of a supplement.

I am interested in getting involved in real estate investing with little or no money down with the ultimate objective of creating passive income to supplement my W-2 job. 

I would bet you have to replace your hvac system due the volume increase or provide supplemental system.   

Plus I don't think it will fly with using the 1031 funds unless you have a warchest of money outside of the 1031 or hard money to supplement the costs.

I really like my job and the company I work for and have no plans on leaving, but would definitely like to supplement my income with some additional rental property.  

So, if ANY of the members of BP ever have any questions regarding health / dieting / exercise / training / nutrition, please feel free to reach out.