All Forum Posts by: James Fox

Thank you to everyone for all the great advice. I feel confident that I made the right choice in joining BP. I have already started to enjoy a daily fix of reading forums and learning from others' successes and mistakes, before I start making too many of my own. Seems like a great community!

Good Morning BP,

I am new to Bigger Pockets (first month newbie) and in my "baby steps" stage of learning as much as I can about various RE investing techniques and tactics before I take my first plunge. As I head toward winding down my military career (15 years active so far) and begin setting plans for the future after retirement, I feel as though I am coming to the game late, so please forgive any "silly" questions that might have been addressed in previous forums. 

We have never used my VA loan and are looking to use it on our next move (in 18 months) for our primary residence. As I'm learning about VA loan benefits, I have seen some conflicting information. We are wanting to get into something 10-20% below market value + make some improvements (A la Brandon Turner's advice in his latest book). My question is - Can I use VA loan to buy a Foreclosure? Is there a requirement/limit on how much "fixing, i.e. improvements" allowed? Thanks-

@Brendan Mori

Interesting- Nice! Did you use your VA loan for a home where you are stationed (just PCSed to) before you deployed? I am actually deployed right now, heading back in a month or so. Actually trying to get to the Colorado area on next PCS in a year and a half.

I agree Ryan, I would have been using my VA long ago, but had always heard of too many horror stories of Soldiers (read: out of town landlord) with rental problems. Now I understand most didn't use proper property management strategies or vetted tenants. Oh well, better to start late than not at all. Thanks-

Thanks William, sounds like solid advice. I will know better in six months or so where we will be heading next. Then I guess I can use that last year in Germany to understand and research the market I'm going into, reach out to make connections within the community and continue to save. Our next move should be the last one in the military. Ready to settle down and create a future full of Real Estate Investing. 

I am a newbie to Bigger Pockets and Real Estate Investing. I am active duty military and currently stationed in Germany for another year and a half. As I continue to read and build a foundation of real estate investing knowledge , I am wondering if anyone has any ideas of how I could get started in investing while Overseas or should I wait until my next move? Thank you for any input-Anxious to get started!