Plus, you're incurring additional expenses that eat into whatever equity you do build up in your 2-3 years.Fair warning, the rest of this may seem like a bit of a downer but having just spent 5 years stationed in San Diego and, after a lot of research, deciding to rent while there and invest in other markets, I think it's worth presenting for you to consider. 

I would make sure you decide which method allows you the most flexibility. 

You need to start off with deciding if you want to be a passive investor or HANDS ON. 

Then decide what your budget is.

This year I decided to update both units significantly.

You'll have to decide if you'd rather risk not being able to afford the property purchase for another year or two because your investments got smacked, or if plain old banking is just too boring (or your regret level would be too high if you didn't invest and the markets continued to rise during that time - FOMO.)Best of Luck with Your Real Estate Investing!

I've decided to 'pop-my-cherry' in real estate investing by finding a single-family home.

I'm about to inherit two parcels and need to decide if I want them or if I should put them up for sale. 

The tenant that is being evicted has decided to voluntarily leave so she doesn't get evicted. 

There are so many variables and crafting responses to them all takes time and experience.Best of luck in whatever you decide.