Can't find cashflow

[Steven Kleppin]

Hey everyone!

I'm moving in a few months and I'm trying to find a place that makes sense to rent after I relocate again in about 3-4 years. I'd live in it for that time, then rent when I leave. However, everything on the market is negative cashflow unless I put somewhere around 50% down which isn't feasible right now. I'm looking at northern Virginia (NOVA) specifically Fairfax County and/or Alexandria and 3/2s are about $450k and rent for #2200 leaving a negative cashflow of -$400 to -$600.

Any suggestions? Is there a house-hacking technique or finance strategy I'm missing? I'd like to not throw away $100k in rent over 3-4 years but it's tough convincing myself that paying to hold onto the property makes sense. 

Thanks!

Steve