House buying process, veteran.

Hey all, I’m looking at starting the house buying process and don’t know where to go. If there are any questions please ask. Essentially I’m a veteran of the US Navy, honorably discharges. Never bought a home before. My credit isn’t great, but it has been getting better thanks to some changes in budgeting and income, allowing me to fix some of my mistakes. I have been with my bank for a few years now, local credit union, and they have approved me on some items, but not high amounts. Currently making close to $70,000 before taxes, and my fiancé pulls in about $28,000, but is in school as well. We will be basically debt free by mid next year, besides some student loans on my end, and my car payment.

I don’t know the first thing about buying a house or where to go. As mentioned I am a vet, but not sure how that works with the VA. Can anyone help provide guidance on where to look? Currently renting a really small house (low rent) and It would be great to have more space... my own space.