This has led me to business school where I plan on taking a 1 year Masters in Finance which will only set me back 10k with a potential starting salary of 60k.

The way you have it set up now according to your description, it isn't going to protect you if your tenant sues you. 

I'll be buying in Texas, I'm also using the VA loan (Pre-approved $300,000).I'm really set on getting a multifamily house (duplex/fourplex) live in one side and rent the others.

Good luck, and keep up the motivation, it's not an easy task that you have set out before you. 

If you're looking to hold multiple mortgages in the future he's smart and strategic.Definitely set up an appointment to discuss your needs even if you've already met with other specialists or brokers.Cheers,T :)

If you build the value good enough early in the call they will make a fight or flight decision at this point , then fax them the contract and get their word that they will do the deal and set up a phone call for after they sign it and send it back to you.

Set up a separate bank account to hold their security deposits and rent5.

Look around on BP and you'll find that MFR buyers will have their own formulas for set-asides.Typical costs are vacancy, advertising, CAPEX, landscaping, trash, any shared utilities, water & sewer, CAM, HOA fees.Look at the BP Calculator too: https://www.biggerpockets.com/buy-and-hold-calcula...

Also be aware that LLCs are not a set up once and forget about it.

Something to keep in mind with STR, that's tied to why REI is a smart game to play - control is the name of the game.You want to control the guests and rates (vet them in hopes of avoiding property damage, set rates to attract those willing to pay more for quality)You want to control the costs (furnishings, consumables, cleaning/repair/plumbing/electrical)You want to control the property (choice of property, location, financing terms, well or city water, septic or city sewer, etc)This is all going to be very hard to do, if not impossible, if you don't OWN THE PROPERTY.