In case I cannot find one that accommodates to my situation both in price and location in the given time, should I continue renting through short-term leases until I find that deal, or purchase a single family home or condo/co-op to secure a place to live for the next couple of years until I decide to either sell it or move and rent it out? 

I know buying & holding will take awhile to really see wealth but the goal is to secure a duplex or triplex, rent out the extras and live in one unit until I can start fixing & flipping.

The entire property has development potential and is just on the border of the war zone of town.  

I have secured my 2nd property this year (and overall). 

Just tried it, but my browser security denied it saying tested site and found security risks.

I also take the same security that a HML would do (i.e. first position on the lien, insurance beneficiary etc). 

In order for both side to have “skin” in the game I have either a $50 a month pet rent OR one months security deposit.

Some credit cards are not hard to get and if necessary you get even get a "secured card"  There are sites that will tell you what cards are the easiest to get and even what credit scores are necessary. 

I am challenged by your courage to give up security and dive head first into real estate.I could totally relate to your dad saying, "not to trade security for uncertainty".That is the mantra of typical Asian parents, especially 1st generation immigrants.  

Hard to believe as almost all banks employ field service companies to verify and enforce that the property is secure until closing.