Hi everyone! I'm new to BiggerPockets and new to real estate investing, so I wanted to introduce myself and ask for some advice from people who know the Augusta market.

About me:
- Veteran, buying my first home with a VA loan (pre-approved)
- I live and work in Augusta, with my wife and child
- My lease ends in April 2027, so I plan to start touring and making offers around February

My goal:
I want to house hack: buy a duplex (or a home with a separate unit like a backyard cottage, garage apartment or in-law suite), live in one unit and rent the other. Long term, I want to keep buying small multi-family properties and build a portfolio that brings in mostly passive income.

What I'm looking for:
- Areas: West Augusta (30907/30909), Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, Harlem, and North Augusta/Aiken, SC. I'm focusing on safer neighborhoods.
- The unit my family lives in needs to be about 1,225 sq ft or more; the rental unit can be smaller
- Newer or well-updated, since my family will live there
- Roughly $200K–$250K, and ideally close to break-even once I eventually move out and rent both units
- Plan B: a newer single-family home I live in for a year or two and then rent out

What I'm running into:
Most duplexes in my areas are older with two small 2-bedroom units, and newer single-family homes in safe areas don't break even as rentals at today's rates with $0 down.

I'd really appreciate advice on:
1. Are there neighborhoods or streets in these areas where duplexes or homes with ADUs tend to come up?
2. For a first property, would you hold out for the right duplex or buy a single-family home now and rent it later?
3. Any tips for making a VA offer competitive on multi-family, especially against cash investors?
4. Recommendations for VA-experienced lenders, inspectors or property managers in the Augusta/Aiken area?
5. Anything you wish you'd known before buying your first rental?

Thanks in advance. I'm here to learn, and I'm happy to share how my search goes!