Online, it says that the best time for rentals is spring so I figured that I would use winter as a goal for purchase to give myself enough time to prepare the property for rental season in spring.However, what would you say is the best time to buy property?

This will allow you to make accurate offers that the listing agent can explain to the client.If you want to just shotgun offers at everything with 25% under list price, be prepared to be ignored by a lot of sellers and looking for new agents frequently.

It is important for landlords to stay informed about market conditions and to be prepared to adjust their rental rates as needed in order to attract and retain tenants.

Working on my first listing along with preparing the unit.

There are so many benefits to house hacking, one of which being that it is a great intro to real estate investing that will help prepare you for other types of investing.

But I do need to be prepared with interviewing backup cleaners if things don't work out.

Forced PCS’s 2x and now preparing for separation like you.  

I have recently thought about doing this myself for a few reasons, but I can say that 2 years ago, while the general RE market was so hot that flipping was a cash machine, it just wasn't a time in my journey that I would have been prepared to take it on.Other than that, just keep doing what you have had them start.

What are some other ways I can prepare myself?

Yes to both...best to be at or above competition in terms of finishes or sell to someone that will properly prepare the house.