It will be a matter of looking for options, being patient for the right opportunity, and making sure that you are not overpaying, as you mentioned. 

If you are patient and let the strategy have time to work it will.There is no secret or magic pill to this process. 

If you insist on getting work done while in escrow, then you should increase the sale price by the repair costs and have the seller do the repairs pre-closing, contingent on your satisfaction with the repairs at the walkthrough. 

The market is a bit strange at the moment- recent zoning shakeups and low inventory- but investors are navigating it, remaining patient and jumping on good deals.

Years ago I had to learn the art of patiently waiting for the right deal for ME, doing the analysis..then making a strong offer.

Satisfaction, confidence, and independence is always best achieved without borrowing money from family.  

Using this upcoming move as a potential purchasing opportunity, however, if the market is not favorable, then I might have to wait it out and be a bit more patient. 

@James O'Connor Sounds like the agent you worked with was patient with you as you searched for a property that fit your needs.

In the dynamic world of short-term rentals, the level of satisfaction your guests experience directly influences your reputation, brings them back, and determines how well your gig does overall.

It certainly wouldn't be losing to stay put and patiently save up cash over time for another purchase.