Now, this is a very simple approach, but it gives the high level view.

I'll be taking all of your guys' thoughts and advice: Getting started no matter what, staying adaptable, building skills and momentum, and @Lynnette E. maybe I won't reach that level of sheer hard work, but I'll definitely be putting in the time and effort!

Hello @Marquez RobinsonAlthough your time with the Army was cut short, myself and many Americans are grateful for your service.Your level of awareness (especially at a young age) is a huge plus in your situation.

Working within your wife's comfort level is important.

Try some out and see what your comfort level is with them....

Massive mixed-use community promises new level of density, amenities south of AustinThe project is slated to have about 2,500 residences, 150,000 square feet of retail space, 250,000 square feet of offices and 35 acres of parkland and trailsNotable here that the corridor between Austin and San Antonio is gaining attention for long term prospects.  

This is where you take a split-level home or a home with a walk-out basement and put up a wall and a kitchen/kitchenette in the basement to create two separate units. 

It is up to your comfort level, research you've done, team established and finding the right deal.

Open floor plan on the first level.

I am thinking of situations where there is a bad tenant who changes locks without letting you know, changes garage door PINs, resets garage door openers, or adds deadbolt that is accessible from only inside the house.Also for situations when temperatures drop too low and you need to access the house to open a faucet and the tenant is not at home.I have added kwikset locks with the rekey feature and also with a second deadbolt that has another separate key.