As long as you stay invested and let your hard earned capital continue to grow, you can pick your spots when a real estate opportunity offers outsized returns comparatively to other investments. 

That is the best case scenario, of course sometimes you get lied to and stalled, that's why it is important to always emply a double strategy and stay a step ahead.

Investors normally get there payments on time, most of the tenants stay for long periods of time because if they move it is a hassle for them, and since section 8 requires that the property stay in certain condition it will help keep the maintenance costs down. 

As you progress, maintaining a clear line of communication with your team, especially your property manager, will allow you to stay ahead of maintenance issues and tenant needs, keeping your operations smooth and your tenants happy.If you haven't done so already, consider outlining your goals and investment criteria with a property manager early on.

Is it worth buying vs renting given I'll be staying there for 3 years.

Personally, all of my units are full and have stayed full, no one is even late with rent much less behind, and no one is moving.

After five years, I am willing to buy the other owner out or they could stay in and continue earning and enjoying the property. 

From my understanding you would have to sell the property as a business...a resort style destination with a number of amenities and places to stay.

We haven't yet, but I would think even for $300 a year it would be worth it for just one stay!

It also has the benefit of being local which is great training wheels as you learn how to be a killer host.Now assuming that you mostly want a cool property to stay in sometimes near water and don't want to spend a ton of time managing I really like the outer banks in NC.