But I would have the access to the MA MLS also, that can be helpful in terms of wholesaling. 

The only time that you might run into a problem is when an HOA does not allow for short-term rentals.

I have 2 rental properties.The First is in Crestview FL with a long-term military tenant.Cashflows ~ $800 monthly.Mortgage is $180k.

Many lenders offer flexible financing terms for investors.Do you have any properties in mind?

@Geoffrey Paugam- agreed ...if you are  needing to use financing to purchase - make sure to have a full loan pre approval in place  before searching / offering for a new place . 

From the discussion, it would seem that this may go against the terms of the 1031x and that I would need to keep my name on the property too. 

According to this Gallup survey, real estate is the most trusted asset class no matter the household income level of respondents. 

I’m open to both, short or long-term, in Austin or the surrounding areas (mostly considering San Marcos).

Doubt it makes a noticeable change long term. 

I am 29, single, employed, have ample savings, a full VA loan, and am pre approved for 550k, and looking within an hour of the dc metro area, ideally Harford county MD due to the good schools and military bases near by.