Planning on renting rather than buying.

[Michael Avillion]

My wife and I and newborn are being moved to El Paso for “at least” a 3 yr assignment with the Army. I am an Army physician and was told by “big Army” I could easily extend to a 6yr assignment if I desired. 

We have 30K in liquid cash as of now, 20K locked up in I bonds that I plan I selling July next year after maturing. 

Our plan is to rent for 1 yr, see how we like it, and if so then extend to 6yrs and buy. I had also thought about month to month but that may be hard to swing.  My worry is the time crunch at the end of our lease, so I would rent a place where I can go month to month at end, or get a 6 month and go month to month then. 

The market seems too unpredictable right now to buy and Id like to have more cash on hand as well. 

I appreciate any thoughts on our plan.