First time home buyer using VA Loan

[Giovanni Kenneth]

Good afternoon! I have been living in the DMV area since 2015 and I am now looking to purchase my first home. I have zero debt and approved for $425,000K. I would like a buy and hold that would serve as my primary residence for the next 5 years. I am a federal worker and in the National Guard so there is a relatively high chance that I would leave after 5 years. Given the fact that I will eventually move, I'd like something that also has great buy and hold potential. I have zero interests in condos, apartments, and homes with a high HOA. Where in the DMV would you suggest I look to achieve a great buy and hold with a yard within my budget? I have seen great opportunities in Rockville, Deanwood, and Fairfax CO. I am open to all areas in the DMV but would like to leverage the expertise of seasoned investors in the DMV area.

[Tom Harkins]

@Giovanni Kenneth I second what @Russell Brazil said. I was looking for the same thing you describe when I first moved to the DMV area. Last year I converted our family house into a rental which I self-manage, and it is poised for rent growth. It is in Silver Spring near the red line. I bought a second SFH not far away and will rinse and repeat.