I am a veteran and have used the VA Guarantee many times.

Number 2, whether or not you have a VA disability rating, check with the Texas Veterans Land Board VLG.texas.gov for information on your VA loan, you may get a below-market rate.  

I’m brand-spanking new to the world of real estate in general (licensed in November, I was a photographer prior) and investing in particular.

Moreso than an MLS listing IMHO.So I would recommend you wait until the house is ready and then hire a professional photographer to take about 20-30 great pictures.It's worth the wait, you don't want to start your STR journey on the wrong foot.....

It's great to be a Veteran.  

Be careful to document every item, photograph it, and follow the law to the nth degree because this is the stuff of tenant lawsuits.Best...

Has anyone used Veterans Unted Home Loans?

For lending discussion purposes, both my business partner and I are Army Veterans, me with an honorable discharge after 7 years active, and my business partner who is 20 years National Guard and still going. 

@Jason Young I am a fellow veteran and Military Relocation Professional too.

The goal is to create small villages for retired seniors on a tight budget and veterans struggling to pay rent.