[IDKwhatIwant]

I haven't joined the Marines yet. I took my CPT and scored a 57, and Im already in good health. I take my ASVAB on the 24th, and they've already started a file for me. They're limited on GED applicants, so as of now, Im it. ;) until after October when the new fiscal year starts.

They've been rude, but generally honest. Very aggressive and arrogant. But I expected that, and they're generally nice as long as I do what they want... Only thing that concerned me was the VA benefits. None of them have taken a home loan out, and that's the main reason I want to join. They did a little research at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and came up with after 108 or 180 days, after boot camp, while on active duty, I can take a VA home loan out. I plan on doing this, to rent the house while Im receiving free food and shelter from the marines. Which leaves the 1300 a month to necessities, school and training, or the home loan. I figure by 4 years I should have the home paid off, if I add all of the rent toward the paying the loan off.

Are the VA home loans hard to receive?
Are they a financial trap?
Any advice about them, or experiences?

[stevetcg]

You won't be renting a house while in the Marines - at least not for a while. Junior enlisted live in the barracks unless you are married.

The VA does not issue loans. The VA will guarantee your loan through an authorized lender. The loan itself is easier to get than a conventional loan, but it is still going to depend on your credit history and your ability to pay the mortgage.

Is it a financial trap? No more than any home purchase is. But bear in mind, if you are in the service, you are subject to transfer at any time. That will leave you owning a home that you are no longer living in and may or may not be able to sell quickly.

My advice: if you are joining the Marines because you want the VA loan, don't join the marines. Marines do not want people that are there for the money/benefits. They want people that are there because they want to be Marines and are happy to take the paycheck as a bonus. I can appreciate doing what it takes to get by, but my recommendation would be to chose a different service. Air Force, perhaps.

And get used to rude, aggressive and arrogant. That's sort of the Marine way. There is a reason none of them have taken a home loan out... home ownership and an active career as a Marine generally do not play well together.

[smearcase]

There is a reason you were drawn to the Marine Corps. I don't know what it is but you do and it probably wasn't anything to do with a loan.

If you don't know why you selected the Corps or if it really was just because of the loan, join the branch of service that will make it most likely that you will succeed with a house. That is, the branch that will be most likely to keep you in the U.S. so you can manage the house. Or, are you looking for combat assignments that will produce the most pay?

Concerning the possibility of a loan, talk to some loan institutions as corwinpaul has suggested. You don't say what the house might cost but paying off in 4 years is a very aggressive goal and military pay is still not up to the level that it should be. If I were reviewing the loan, I would want to know what plan you had in case the house isn't paid off by the time your enlistment ends. Would you re-enlist if necessary? If you are in Iraq for a year, will the house be rented out? Who will take care of maintenance, utilities, insurance, etc in your absence?

In summary, I don't think this is a good reason to go into the military. I joined the Navy to avoid being drafted. It was an awesome experience and my life would be very different if I hadn't done it but after 4 years and promotion to E-5, I could barely afford a 10 year old used car.

Good luck.