How to afford a more vet to DC, and leave 2 years later w/rental?

[Jon LaDue]

Hello, 

My first post is a big one for me. I’m moving to D.C. from Dayton, Ohio in four weeks to take a temp promotion (2 years). Although it’s a $17k/year raise, the cost of living is crazy higher.

With a 2-year residence in mind, I am eyeing an FHA loan. I only have $112k left of VA entitlement left, which might get me a cardboard box in DC. But I'm also getting married in August, so I can't afford some colossal real estate purchase — even at only 3.5% DP.

What/where should my game plan be to live somewhat comfortably, and leave in a couple years with a cash-flow property?

I currently have two past residences (SFH) that I rent out totaling

Jon 

Thx, Jon.