New Purchase (Home....then Rental)

[Ian Davis]

I'm in the real estate market for a twofold purpose. I'm attempting to wear two different "hats" here, one as a new homeowner and the other as a long-term investor. I hope there's a middle ground between the two objectives. First, as a homeowner I plan on living in the home for a couple years. Afterwards I will move, whereupon the home will now be a nice hedge against inflation, with the aim of capital preservation. Herein lies my questions to the "Bigger Pockets" community. As a real estate investor, what are the key factors that drive the rental markets? Take into consideration this will be my first rental property, so whatever I need to do in order to minimize any potential downside risk I'm all "ears"!! The factors I'm thinking about range from "location", "amenities", "used vs. new", "lot size", "pool, etc.". All in, I want to make sure the house I purchase is also an ideal rental property. I would appreciate any/all ideas, suggestions, and/or criticisms. Thank you.