Buying a house / investment as a homestead?

[Steve S.]

i'm looking at a property that could be a homestead.

My job may afford an opportunity for me to move into it and that is my intent upon purchasing it.  However, if things change and I am relocated in the near future, how does that affect the homestead distinction if I rent it out?  I'd prefer not to buy it and then have to sell it very quickly so would like to better understand the way it works as a homestead that later becomes a rental should i be put in that situation.