What should I do with my VA loan?

I’m 24, married, no kids yet (maybe soon). I currently work in Atlanta and bring in about $12k–$13k/month after taxes. My monthly expenses are pretty low, around $3k total.

I’ve been looking into using my VA loan to get into real estate, specifically buying a duplex, triplex, or fourplex and renting out the other units while I live in one.

The catch is I’ll only be in Atlanta for the next 2–3 years. After that, I’m planning to move back to Orlando, where my family is and where I’d like to stay long-term.

So the idea would be:

• Buy a multi-unit property in Atlanta
• House hack it while I’m here
• Then convert it into a full rental when I move to Orlando

Main question: Is the VA loan house hacking the right move for me given this situation?

For those who’ve done this:

1. Does this strategy still make sense if I’m only living there for a few years?

2. Would you go multi-unit or keep it simple with a single-family and rent rooms?

3. Anything I should watch out for with a VA loan if I plan to move out in a few years?

4. What numbers do you focus on to make sure it still works as a rental later?