First time buyer in Arizona!

[Austin Bull]

My name is Austin, I'm 26, and I'm planning on buying my first property ever in Arizona in the Phoenix Metro area. I'm looking to house hack in order to get my REI snowball rolling. I'm most familiar with the east valley which was a great place to grow up. Currently I have been working in the valley as a plumber. When I was a residential plumber I'd take calls all around the valley so I feel like I have a good idea of areas I'd want to live/invest. However, REI is all knew to me and so is examining the markets.

My main question is: currently in 2023, is this market more tailored towards playing the long game with appreciation or looking to get a property that will cash flow.

Also some people tell me to "time the market" and to wait a little to start, while others tell me to just get in the game while I can. What do you all think?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!