I do the same thing with my properties, especially if traditional financing is involved.  

Looking at the numbers, with me living in one of the unit and renting out the other using traditional rental methods, I figure that I could get maybe a 800/850 per month in rent, which would barely pay my mortgage, let alone any of my expenses. 

Or are there other ways to finance my first multi family property outside the traditional banks?

You have the benefit of doing this the traditional way and with the great wealth of information, knowledge, and support on BiggerPockets.I'm juggling real estate with a full time job I love, I'm sure you can balance the two as well.  

If you have really poor credit, you won't be able to use traditional financing, but if you have enough experience, you may be able to get a hard money loan. 

Start with traditional financing.

Or do I go the traditional route and get bank financing in my personal name.

I have built several log homes as well as tradition frame structures.  

Or do I go the traditional route and get bank financing in my personal name.

Gabriel I learned through a colleague that you could refinance your  VA loan to more a traditional loan (FHA or Conv. ) and use your VA again to purchase another property.