Once again start talking to a realtor ahead of time to open your options up and start to get an idea of the market.I highly suggest you look for a realtor with the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation because they have taken extra courses to learn more about service members and more importantly the VA loan.

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

https://www.narpm.org/find/property-managersThese are more professional and educated PM's with higher standards of Ethics

the lady I talked to said it counts against you when you do something like going from an IT professional to say something like auto mechanic because you're changing fields.

@Scott HarperHas your friends mother went to Assisted Living or a nursing (skilled nursing) home?

., professionals who are in the area for a year for work and want a large space to rent for that period.

I think the skill you have is the most important one.  

Went to college for architecture and have worked in my professional life as a building inspector, insurance underwriter, and actuary, and I lived in a 2-fam and had two more 2-fams in my hometown of Buffalo, NY, and sold those when I got a job offer and moved to New Orleans, LA. 

Readers are advised to seek professional advice.

I see folks get into crazy deals not knowing what things will cost, so good on you for having that skill set and being able to fix everything!