Introduction and Advice Seeking

[Hongling Lu]

Hi all, I am currently a PhD in Michigan with approximately 2-3 years left. I am new to real estate investing. In the near future after PhD, I will likely be on some short-term contracts (ranging between 1-3 years) and likely will be moving to different places in the US. I start to have the following idea. I purchase townhouses or condos when I am at a place, live in there while I am there, hopefully, upgrade the property and when I leave, I leave those properties for rental. I wonder if this plan is a reasonable plan? and if you may have any thoughts or suggestions?

Many thanks.