Newbie looking for help with Rent/Lease option - Washington State

[Marc Estepa]

Aloha!  My family and I are looking to relocate to JBLM Washington from Hawaii in the next few weeks.  Our initial goal was to purchase a home immediately.  I was pre-approved initially, but then inquired about my homes in Forbearance due to CoVID.  I was then informed I could not purchase until I was current.  I expect to be current in January as per the current stipulations.  Credit is not a problem.

As per Army orders, my family and I are relocating to Washington next month.  Because of the timeline, we are now forced into a position to rent initially.  Rather than rent for 6 months to relocate again, I am curious about the lease to own option and looking for a knowledgeable realtor that can help.  

Through my scouring of the internet for homes, I looked at apartments initially and applied with “Home Partners” as well.  I’m looking for properties with house hacking potential in Gig Harbor, University Place, Steilacoom, Lacey and Olympia but being told there’s not a lot of homes available with this criteria.  

Can anyone help?  I’m about 3 weeks into Bigger Pockets and it’s completely changed my mindset.  Still gathering knowledge and not completely comfortable yet but what better time to jump in and learn then now?!  

Without a forcing mechanism like this, I know me - I’ll continue to sit on the side scared to do anything.  Paralysis by Analysis.  I’ve already learned a ton in a short amount of time and connected with great people who are teaching me!  (Cough...cough...Lisa Kennedy)

Mahalo for your kokua!