I just got stationed in Toledo, Ohio in June 2019 and I am really hoping to find something that I can work on in my spare time as well as live in.

So we need at least a 3 bedroom 2 full bathroom house, preferably with a spare room for an office.

Many would call that a bad deal; however, you have to look at a) the money I saved on living expenses over those 3 years, b) the equity I've gained through appreciation and pay down on a loan that I've never once had to pay with "my own" money, c) the education I've received because I had the bright idea to rent out some spare bedrooms in my house after college; I wouldn't be here on BP with 2 more properties if I hadn't bought that house, and c) the confidence I gained from becoming a female homeowner and landlord at the age of 25.On paper, that house looks like a bad deal; however, I see it as a savings account for another property that also happens to pay me $65 a month.

But I've rented spare bedrooms in my primary before, and that income is documented on my taxes.

That does not mean trust your gc too much and only go to your property sparingly unless you hire a 3rd party project manager with no incentive to help the gc. 

I have been doing it in my spare time but will turn this into my full time business.

I have been doing it in my spare time but will turn this into my full time business.

Still living at the house, split the rent with my girlfriend and continue to learn DIY remodeling in my spare time.

They are about $7, call the owner on the phone and ask him to leave a few spares on top of the box. 

In my spare time I've been reading every business and RE book I can get my hands on as well as crushing RE podcasts which I feel is helping a lot on my knowledge.