21 Years in the Navy to Financial Freedom Through Real Estate | Ep. 2

In Episode 2 of Out-Processed & Unsupervised, we sit down with Travis Tamillo — a 21-year Navy veteran and Jacksonville-based realtor who helps veterans and active duty service members leverage their VA loan benefits to build real wealth through real estate.

Travis shares his wild story of leaving a carrier mid-deployment to be present for the birth of his son, surviving the infamous COVID cruise (206 days at sea, never seeing land), and how he made a smooth transition into real estate by starting while still in uniform.

We also dive deep into VA loan benefits most veterans don't know about — from zero down payments to property tax exemptions, funding fee waivers, loan assumptions, and how you can use the VA loan multiple times.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week featuring real veterans sharing real stories.

📲 Follow Travis: Instagram: @TravisTamilloRealtor Facebook Group: St. John's County Military

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro & Meet Travis Tamillo
0:44 – Travis's 21 years in the Navy
1:23 – Growing up joining at 17, stationed in Hawaii for 10 years
3:30 – Life in Hawaii: spearfishing, food, and why he never wanted to leave 4:52 – The infamous COVID cruise — 206 days at sea, never docking
8:00 – Going right back out 4 months later for another 8-month deployment
9:11 – What made Travis decide to transition out
10:44 – How Travis started real estate while still in the Navy
13:00 – Skill Bridge: getting paid by the Navy while working in real estate 16:35 – Keeping structure after the military: gym, family, and staying motivated
18:30 – Travis's wife: the secret weapon behind his social media & business
19:27 – Restaurant reviews on social media & connecting with the Jacksonville community
26:00 – VA loan basics: zero down, better rates, and who can use it
30:03 – The myth that you can only use the VA loan once — BUSTED
34:25 – Funding fees explained (and how disability waives them)
37:41 – VA loan assumptions: anyone can assume your loan
40:50 – Property tax exemptions in Florida for disabled veterans
46:10 – 100% disability = property taxes fully waived + Special Monthly Compensation 5
1:23 – Who's buying homes right now & the current market outlook
54:38 – Craziest military story: being flown off a carrier 2 days after his son was born
1:02:55 – COVID birthing: Lord of the Flies at sea
1:05:40 – Closing thoughts & how to reach Travis

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