how to begin my real estate portfolio

I'm looking into investing in some rental properties, no more then 4 units or a single family home. I am prior Air Force currently using my VA loan for my current home. I am 2 and a half years into a 5 year electrical apprenticeship program. I work full time and my fiancé is a full-time student set to graduate in June, we have two kids and time isn't really something we have a lot of to spare. I have some equity on my house and a partner with capital to invest with me. We don't want to move from our current home at the moment. I'm just looking to invest into a rental property and want to maximize the time we have available without putting to much on our plate and don't know where to begin.