Most newbies that have herd mentality are buying those now.If you are trying to get safer investments you might want to buy brand new builds in a subdivision in a nice area stage 0 to 1 of development.Example you look at 2 options:Option 1 - Buy a house for 75k (Class C) that after mortgage payment is supposed to generate 150 a month income or 1,800 a year.Down payment 15,000    Result: In a few years rent growth in lower income areas is more limited due to income earnings.

Is there anything I can do now aside from online education and saving money to set me up for my return home to Tucson AZ next May?

Online or in person attendance is fine.

He would essentially earn interest on his investment.

This may be unpopular, but I'd say focus on earning more for now, much much more.

Then you find out local residents earn $28,000 a yr won’t pay $1500 rents, house doesn’t seem so good anymore.

While catching up with an online gaming buddy I haven't spoken to in 5 years, he mentioned this website and podcast. 

I officially started my ground search (not online, walking through the areas) for MF properties this past weekend and found so many buildings with "For Sale By Owner" that are nowhere to be found online.   

Guys, how many of you buy directly from the Courthouse, these days it is online, not on the steps . lolNobody can find good deals on Hubzi, Hudson, Xome etc. 

Just FYI, the funding fee varies with where you earned your entitlement (reserve/NG, vs active) and if you have any VA disability (10% and there is no funding fee).