Buying in DC/NoVA area with intent to move in 1-2 years? Crazy?

[Mike Andrews]

Hi all,

I live in the DC/NoVA area and have been here a long time, but am considering moving to the west coast at some time in the next 2 years.  (I've said this for years though, so no idea if I'll been decisive enough to make it happen).

Why am I considering buying anyway?

1. I'm really, really tired of renting

2. Speculation on Amazon HQ2 coming here.  While this is speculation, vegas odds seem quite good, and even if they don't come this area has been quite stable.

On my budget, I most likely could afford at most something like a 2 bedroom condo.   The plan would be to buy and hold, and if I move rent it out while I am away using a property management company.  While living in it I would rent out to 1 person to help pay the mortgage.

I know I have to run my own numbers, but I'm assuming that at best I'd be close to breakeven when accounting for mortgage + HOA fees ($400-$600 is common) + taxes vs. rental income.

Does it even make sense to aim for break-even for investments?

I'm new to RE and devouring material here, but wanted to get a placeholder discussion in here to mostly discuss if this makes sense at all.