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!

[Austin Bull]

Quote from @Doug McVinua:

@Austin Bull Interest rates are high right now, and as soon as they drop a point or two, you will want to refinance. A good lender will get you into a loan now at a low cost (higher rate) but then prepare to refi once the rates drop down. Hence, the loan you get today may be a short-term one. Short-term being relative to a property you may hold for many years.

@Josh Young has done really well for himself by investing in the SE Valley. Josh knows the path to success, where, how, the lender piece, etc.

Awesome thanks for explaining that. I'll reach out to Josh Young