But you have to have some cash on hand to ensure that the shortage is not left on a credit card that will eventually switch to a very high interest rate.

The US does not have housing shortage.  

In either case, I'd be looking at markets with a growing population (demand), a shortage of inventory (supply), and a market that has a net positive importing of jobs with wage growth.As the Fed's a poised to make some moves with interest rates later this year, the question still remains to be seen what they will do with their QE/QT policy on their balance sheet as that will affect long term 1-4 unit rates. 

Still no economy to support the increase in home prices, so needless to say we got hit pretty hard in the Crash...Other drawback to the area since there is a shortage of Economy up here, would be the Commute time up and down the Cajon Pass, 4000' elevation climb in just a few miles, " the Pass" has been know to ruin a brand new car before you are even done paying it off, so figure in a new car payment if you are thinking about commuting to work from here...  

These are not actual numbers but just for illustration purposes - though look quite realistic for the market I am considering based on Zillow, FurnishedFinder and other sources.Vacancy rates for MTR are low due to an acute shortage of nurses. 

Typically Spring and early Summer is the best time to sell.Great to sell it vacant.Seems to be a shortage of homes on the market, but all sales not easy due to the higher interest rates. 

@Ian VerzoniWas there a shortage from prior year?

We've all accepted that there's a shortage of housing all across the US.

There's no shortage of people who have made it work with less going for them than you have so I'm confident you can find a way.

I will say your traditional long term rentals will be hard to pencil in this market, but a buy and hold play is still a tremendous opportunity with the housing shortage.