I would just invest the minimum in order to get the maximum match from your employer and invest the rest into REI.Quit convincing your friends to get involved, less properties for the rest of us!!!

attending school or some sort of training institute is considered "employment" so long as your job is in the relevant field and you've past the probation period.    

It seems like that's one way to go.. but since real estate is so filled with go-getters and entrepreneurial types, I wonder what other incentive strategies people have employed and how effective they've been. 

Diversification in employment also is important.

I am self employed with carpet cleaning business and looking to shift my focus into real estate.

It's a guaranteed rent program meaning as a property owner, you get paid for 100% occupancy even if there are vacancies.Hopefully, this link will get you started: Veterans Housing & Employment AssistanceAlso, lookup a fellow named Christopher LaFayelle on Facebook or just Google him.

My name is Slater Grimes, I am 21 years old and currently employed as a commodity broker at a firm specializing in managed futures.  

you are getting overcharged, I pay 15% for boots on the ground concierge, to this add 11% spurious lodging tax and 4% miscellaneous extortion fee.

No state tax on employment income would help the lower class grow into the middle class strata.4.

Thanks @Azeez, I would say the area is very much B and slightly rural however it is within a 5 minute drive to several major colleges, employers, and what would be considered an A market.