Long distance condo

[Blake Burnett]

I'd like to get some opinions on a condo deal, which I know few of you recommend. I'm active duty military stationed in Norfolk with plans to move back to the west coast in about a year and a half, which is why I'd like a property that is more hands off. I'd like to purchase something in the market here because it is much more affordable. Here's the deal in which I would owner occupy for about a year.

It's a 65000 condo that only requires 5% down. HOAs are $230.

PITI+HOA = about $670/mo

Current rents in that area range from 900-950. This unit has been updated so I'm shooting for the 950.

After a management company charges about 10%, that will leave me with $180 which definitely isn't much to work with. At closing with down payment and some closing cost assistance I'm only in it about $7k.

Would anyone recommend this due to the low initial investment, or pass it up and wait for something better?