Of course you can be more choosy about what you want to offer on, and maybe find properties that at least look like they need some updating, but most importantly make a lot of offers.  

I don't know how long I plan to stay in this area so I am wondering whether or not to factor that into my decision.Option 1: Buy a house or multi-family to live in and rent it out if I leave the area in the near future. 

Stay engaged!

@Mark Nolan is your list of lenders for Non-recourse loans form 2016 updated?

Just stay positive throughout the experience and do everything you can to make it as attractive of an offer as possible.

Please keep me updated on how you push forward with your path toward financial success. 

@Mark Davis  Each time there is a transaction with a loan involved the lender will require a new, updated title search and a lender's title policy.  

Many times the owners don’t update their mailing address with the county so you may get the letters returned.

Or rent out the home as a vacation rental while staying in my current house. 

I'm assuming the meet has been canceled due to the updated forecast for this hurricane, but do keep me in mind when they decide to reschedule.