I am a new real estate investor, and my current strategy is to leverage the VA Loan with a 4-plex to reduce my monthly rent expense.

What does it have to do with real estate? 

I have already built a geodome that is commercially permitted and kills it so I'm very familiar.

The real bottom line is do you want them as tenants.  

Managing Own Properties: You can manage properties you own without a real estate license.

Doing so ensures they've had notice sooner rather than later, and also so they know I'm running a business and not simply enjoying a hobby in real estate.On the other hand, if the tenant doesn't pay the rent when due, the law in Michigan only requires a 3 day notice.

So someone who only books casually on VRBO might be better off not doing the subscription, but if you book a lot it will pay for itself real quick.

I'm keen to diversify my portfolio by venturing into real estate.

I'm 23 years old and plan to use real estate for my retirement, but that's in the distant future.My question is whether it's better to pay off the mortgage as quickly as possible or to buy a rental property as soon as possible.My thoughts are that if I pay off my home, I'll have security and more money each month to invest, as I won't have to make mortgage or rent payments.

Finding private money lenders out side of that takes time as you need to build your relationship with them so that they know, like and trust you AND they know you have experience in real estate.