When most young service members PCS overseas, they hit pause on their financial goals. But not Landon Fillmore.
An active-duty Army Medical Service Corps officer stationed in Italy, Landon is building a real estate portfolio using the VA loan, mid-term rentals, and smart investing strategies—proving you don’t need to be stateside to grow passive income through real estate.
In this ADPI podcast episode, Landon shares his journey—from discovering real estate podcasts to purchasing a fourplex in Alaska, pivoting from commercial syndications, and turning his PCS into an investing advantage. This post breaks down his top strategies and how military members can build financial freedom through real estate investing.
Real Estate Investing for Military Members: From ROTC to First Property
Landon’s path started in college, joining ROTC to help fund his education. A conversation during a hike sparked an interest in investing, and after Googling “how to invest,” he found the BiggerPockets podcast and later the Active Duty Passive Income (ADPI) community.
This education laid the foundation for his first real estate deal: a fourplex purchased using an FHA loan, sight unseen, in Alaska. He house-hacked by renting out units on Airbnb and later transitioned to long-term tenants and corporate rentals to increase rental income.
Using the VA Loan to Build a Real Estate Portfolio
Although his first deal was with an FHA loan, Landon is now using the VA loan to continue acquiring properties. He emphasizes the importance of understanding VA loan benefits, eligibility, and strategies like house hacking to maximize the opportunity.
Even while stationed in Italy, Landon is managing U.S. properties, proving that service members can invest long-distance with the right tools and systems in place.
Building Real Estate Confidence Through Education
Landon calls his early learning process “Automobile University.” He spent hours each week listening to real estate podcasts, learning key terms, and studying strategies. This type of self-education helped him build the confidence to take action, even without a local mentor or market familiarity.
How a PCS Created Unexpected Cash Flow
While preparing to PCS from Alaska, Landon assumed he’d have to sell one of his single-family properties. But during a routine wellness check, he learned about a corporate housing provider looking for furnished rentals in the area.
That lead turned into a year-long corporate lease at above-market rent, generating $500–$600/month in cash flow—and allowing him to keep the property in his portfolio. It’s a perfect example of how creative rental strategies like midterm and corporate housing can make deals work even when traditional renting doesn’t.
Why He Stepped Away from Commercial Real Estate Syndications
Landon also explored commercial multifamily investing through syndications, joining ADPI’s Military Multifamily Academy and building a capital-raising team. But he realized the commercial path didn’t align with his values, lifestyle, or investing timeline.
He pivoted back to residential investing and soon closed on another fourplex in the Midwest with a business partner. That deal cashflows and fits his long-term buy-and-hold strategy.
Managing Rental Properties While Stationed Overseas
Even from Italy, Landon manages his real estate portfolio using platforms like TurboTenant and RentRedi. With strong systems, a network of local contacts, and a clear investing strategy, he’s able to stay hands-on while living abroad.
Promoting Financial Literacy in the Military
Landon recently led a financial literacy session for 30 soldiers, covering:
- How the VA loan works
- TSP strategies
- High-yield savings accounts
- Basics of real estate investing
He believes it’s part of military leadership to promote financial education—and that every service member should understand how to use real estate and the VA loan to build long-term wealth.
Key Real Estate Lessons for Military Investors:
- Start with education: Listening to real estate podcasts and joining communities like ADPI can fast-track your knowledge.
- Use the VA loan: It’s one of the most powerful tools military members have for buying property with zero down.
- Creative strategies work: Corporate and midterm rentals can turn a dead deal into a winner.
- Follow your goals, not hype: Commercial syndications aren’t for everyone—and that’s okay.
- Invest from anywhere: With the right tools and support, you can manage U.S. properties while stationed abroad.
- Teach others: Financial literacy is a force multiplier in the military community.
If you’re a military member wondering how to invest in real estate while serving, Landon’s story shows what’s possible. Whether you’re using the VA loan for your first house hack or managing rental properties from across the globe, education and action are your best assets.
Take Action!
If you’re serious about using your VA loan and real estate to build wealth—no matter where you’re stationed—ADPI Campus is where you plug in. Inside, you’ll find step-by-step education, deal-focused trainings, live Q&A calls, and a community of military investors who are actually doing this right now—from OCONUS house hacks to creative financing and beyond.
Join ADPI Campus today to get the roadmap, the tools, and the tribe you need to turn your service into long-term wealth.
