Embarking on a work holiday, and my sights are set on Destin.

However, if your sights are set on long-term appreciation, Columbus' ongoing population growth and strong economic factors point towards potential value increases down the line.

Remember the % is based on the principle.

Management fees for index funds tend to be in the 0.3% - 0.6% range, so the foundational principle holds true.One more note - I think it is always smart to add some skepticism when someone presents subjective opinions as indisputable fact.

To Joe’s point as well, if you have the ability to put $4000 extra towards principle per month, in 3 years we are talking $144k.

So, if you refi in 2 years, you will have paid down some principle, get a lower rate, and stretch out the payments and see your payment go down considerably.

You do not have the opportunity to look inside the house before bidding so you're buying sight unseen.

@Harley Emelia  You need to calculate your Return On Equity ((Cash Flow + Principle Paydown + Projected Appreciation)/Equity).

I also own a personal training company and train athletes with ATG principles .

So history will be a good guide, and history will tell you the long term returns on Bay Area RE are good.The principles of investing are still the same.