However, I could very well be 2 years waiting to invest locally as I wait to snag the right deal or raise more capital to give me more options.

With the upcoming expected rate cuts making real estate "more affordable", I believe this will unlock many buyer's who've been waiting on the sidelines.

You can also get into more active strategies like STR and rehabs, but the work required to get in this is significant and at that point you might be able to just get a new role with the same pay with the equivalent effort.Is your entire industry in a hiring freeze or just your company laying off?

If you wait until 70, you can maximize your benefits. 

To do a cash out refinance now with conventional financing, you have to wait until the loan being paid off is 12 months old! 

If you have the desire and ability I wouldn't wait around for another year when you get here. 

I think if your property has upgrades that make it worth more you may just have to wait a little longer as it seems the overall rental market is taking longer.

While traditional banks provide lower interest rates, they come with strict approval processes and long wait times.

On one occasion I overheard two customers chatting in the waiting room and they had no idea I was the owner.

It sounds like you’re thoughtfully weighing your options about whether to buy a home now or wait, which is great!