Any Military Posts No Go

[Jennifer Santana]

For the most part I usually hear that military posts are great places to invest at. I plan on PCS'ing back to the states next year and the goal is to use my VA loan to buy my first place and to have it become a rental when I pcs again. Are there some posts that tend to be harder to find a good rental investment property in?

[Kerry Baird]

We've purchased houses in the communities that surround bases, but we've most often been posted in places that have substantial economies, outside of the base.  Before you get boots on the ground, you can email your Housing Office and inquire as to ares that are in demand.  The housing rates, as you probably know, are posted online.  We've chosen brick houses (no repair of siding, no painting), at least 3 bedroom, 2 bath (best for new families), at an E-5/O-1 and above housing cap.  There is usually only one General, Admiral, Colonel, etc. but a wide tier of more stable new family formation folks, and it is similar on the civilian side.  We don't only serve military, just prepare a house that would work for military.  I like the stable paycheck, no matter what the employer base is.  

A benefit to you when you occupy a property for any 2 out of 10 years, is that the property increases in value over time, and you can exclude the capital gains from taxation.  Civilians have 2 out of 5 years.  It is a fine way to grow slowly and steadily.  Even 5 or 6 houses, paid off, will replace the part of our salary that we lose upon retirement from the military.  

All the best~