I would love to be able to build this business that she can take part in and will provide a flexible living us to be able to care for my niece ( but that is the end game goal!) 

I am hoping to keep my search closer to the beach towns (Torrance, Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan, El Segundo) but am aware that prices may be a bit out of my range as a young military officer and am flexible on location.Being in the military gives me many connections to other military members in the area and I am more than willing to help expand networks.

Setting up the structure with a family member is flexible.

I'm a real estate agent and an investor who's doing exactly what you plan on doing.I assume from your description that you are flexible on your housing and have no issues moving out of your current house and buying another one.My advice to you is the following:1.

@Rafael Perez getting an unsecured line of credit could definitely help for a number of reasons especially if there’s flexibility in what that line is used for.

I would probably go 30 year, pay points if I can buy it down further and then continue to pay extra on it if you want to, so that you have flexibility/higher cash flow.

However, it has been recommended to me to start forming relationships with them, because of the long term benefits, including flexible terms. 

However, in 5-10 years we may decide to "retire" from our W2 jobs and have more flexibility.

A conventional loan with a low fixed rate is more attractive but there are flexibility upsides to commercial lending that are great too.

I think I could have been a little more flexible on move out date but based on the loan I’m getting this is the most prudent option.