New to BP and Moving from Texas to OC / SOCAL

[Koley Anthony]

Greetings BP Experts! I’m Koley and way too late finding out about BP! I own my current home in Texas, but I’m moving to SOCAL for work soon (my final military assignment before retiring!!). I’d like to get some ideas from you guys please.. 

Since folks seem to be moving to Texas by the droves, would it be best to buy a 2nd property in Texas before moving, then rent both properties to tenants in Texas and rent my own living space in SOCAL?  

Or, should I buy a condo/townhome in OC/SOCAL for under $625k? 

My credit score is 830 and I have NO other debts - just my current mortgage. I have some cash but don’t want to use it, nor do I want to pay over $3.2k/mo for a mortgage in OC/SOCAL as my “pockets” aren’t that “bigger” yet. 

I can't imagine selling my current home that I owe less than $100k on, but I could refinance it in order to free up my VA Loan for expensive @$$ SOCAL.

Please feel free to share your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your expertise!!