If you use USAA, call ahead and try to get pre-approved for your loan. They will also put you in touch with a real estate agent who works with, and has a good reputation with previous USAA customers. If you don't use USAA for your banking, I am sure that your current banking facility might be able to reccommend a good company/agent for you to work with.
Either way, it is better to try to get pre-approval for a loan and know ahead of time how much you can afford to spend on a house, than to go in blind and wait to see what kind of loan you can get, after you have found the fabulous house you absolutely love and want, but just can't afford.
Oh and one more thing, try to check out the local school districts and see where the best locations and the best schools are for your Son. Schools are federally required to give out their test score results! You shouldn't have too much trouble finding something out on the web. He may not start school next year, but he will the year after!
Good luck with the house hunting.
W.