Were going to purchase single family for ourselves and live in it while I’m stationed there for 6-8 months.

Picked a train line or a bus line followed the path to their stations and evaluated from there. 

The other properties that are on the main road in this picture are commercial of various types, but there is nothing as large as the dollar store.There is also a Post Office and Fire Station nearby.

@John MattoxYou are correct John -- Regus is already here -- they have a location near K96 and Rock rd in the office park there N of the Hwy and will be putting in their marque location at the old Union Station presently being rehabbed by Occidental Company Downtown.  

Going through a similiar thought process for a property i have in NC (Fayetteville) it ws my primary residence when i stationed there but has been a rental ever since i left (about 15 years)  before selling , just remember your total retuen is more than just cash flow .  

(Military is supposed to provide this to all members before a permanent change of station, but the reality is that it doesn't always happen)  I had to move my whole family from coast to coast with all of our things (and pets), without knowing that we had a place to live at the end of the move. 

I am looking to interview two or three commercial property managers in College Station, TX.  

Renovation Station is a good option for marked down tile and fixtures.

Or bite the 2-3% bullet as cost of business in the time it would save you having to do it so you can look for other investments.

Alarms: Central Station monitored alarms will give credits5.