I'm going through the VA loan process in Augusta now. I think the new construction in the area sucks, personally. Most is in Grovetown which is convenient to base and that is really all. It's also got a lot of congestion. Evans and Martinez can also have a lot of congestion, are far from downtown, and involve a lot of sprawl. Unless you have kids in public school, I would avoid.

I recommend Summerville or the National Hills areas--it's easy to get to Ft Gordon and downtown. Good access to grocery stores (Publix, BiLo, Kroger, Fresh Market, and Whole Foods all close). It's also close to Augusta University (GRU) and that means lots of rentals in the area and market for rentals.

Give yourself plenty of time. You'll find that there's not much in the way of midrange housing in Augusta. There's lots of cheap crap and lots of housing outside your budget. We personally found the market in Augusta to be a bit busy this summer for homes in the $140,000 to $185,000 range (homes only stayed on the market for a week or so). It may cool off by October but my point is that it may take a while to find something to buy (or even to rent).

I think you should rent and look for a lease that's cheap to break (our lease lets us out for a months rent penalty and 45 days notice). Look at rental houses instead of apartment complexes unless amenities are really important to you--they are way better deals here.

Stay away from rent to own. Far away.