Otherwise, the short term fix up and flip or holding period for the expected run up on that Stock, doesn't occur and you are now Stuck with a Buy and Hold Rental or Stock, for a longer period when you can at least break even with your, now, Investment.

If you're only going to live in the area a short time, be aware that buy and sell will come with RE agent fees which might make it cheaper to rent in the short term.  

I am new to investing as well and have learned a great deal in a short time thanks to bigger pockets and all the tools they offer.

I am about to start the process of shopping for conventional loan rates and getting pre-approved, but am concerned if I shop too much within a short time period it will adversely affect my credit score.Does every loan inquiry during the shopping process negatively affect your credit or is there a "grace" period after the first inquiry?

I for one just attended a short seminar on how to purchase foreclosures which tough me a lot.

I just had a tent tell me the October rent would be short $75 because of a hospital emergency. 

If you haven't already discovered, this is a great place for information and to meet people who are very open to help!

Discover what attracts you and don't be afraid to dive in!

Three initial strategies would be: 1) think about how much you could sell it for if you had to ditch it, 2) how much you could rent it for as a 12 month rental and 3) how much you could rent it for as a short term rental.  

Ask anyone who has owned in this town for long and you will quickly discover how they made hundreds of thousands of dollars and in many cases just by paying their own personal mortgage.