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. 

[Michael P.]

Where specifically your job is located in the DC metro area is important relative to the length of your commute and how much you’ll hate your life and what neighborhoods to look at.  So let us know if you want to share that.

For me 17k x 2 years aka 34k bonus is not worth the cost and hassle of relocating to DC then back to Ohio and various transaction costs. I would just stay in OH and grow your REI there.