Over a shorter period of time, it's going to be highly dependent on the condition of the property.

If you are just trying to advertise something for the shorter term, I'd focus on PPC alone.

Very important you stay abreast on your condo assoc. issues coming up for vote.Another place I rent in SC states that I cannot have any short-term leases(shorter then 6 mos).

The shorter the time or the fewer the properties, the more variance that is possible.

As for the original question, it's got a lot of variables, but I would say rent if the timeframe was shorter, but for '3 to 5 years' with potential that it may change, I'd look to buy now at a discount, depending on the budget Jay is looking at.

Commercial mortgages usually have shorter terms, like 20 years.

It is a smart idea to buy a house you can pay off more quickly on a shorter term loan and then graduate to a larger one after you sell it.

Also, again, these techniques are safer if the time frame is shorter and if they are used for flipping instead of rentals.Mike

The benefit of the shorter term is (and I haven't done the math to be completely sure) getting the property free and clear at a reduced overall cost relative to a 30 fixed.

Some buyers opt for shorter term loans for more cash flow today and others opt for longer term with less cash flow.