Selling or renting after moving.

[Daniel Gutkey]

Hello all,

I purchased my primary residence about 5 years ago, and due to work (Military) I will be moving in September. I plan on buying at my next duty station (Boston, MA) and had been planning on keeping my current residence to rent with the possibility of moving back here in 3 years (Jacksonville, FL). But as I get closer I'm not sure if I should rent or sell. I purchased for 315,000 and have 285,000 remaining on the mortgage. The house would likely sell around 500,000 (3.5% APR) The rental rates in Jacksonville have fluctuated a bit the past few years, my total mortgage payment is 2600, similar homes are renting for about 2500-2750 in my area which has me thinking about it more as a liability than an income producing asset. I am also looking into buying investment properties on a smaller scale in some cheaper markets and I'm wondering if my equity would be better suited that way. Just looking for opinions and advice.