I would learn all you can, go to meetups, build relationships, but only buy something now if you are going to house hack it for the two years until you go and then just rent out your unit when you go.

Be careful of neighborhoods and look at the crime rates.    

With today's interest rates, it's difficult to get an LTR to cash flow.

My main concern would be vacancy rate, since I know there is still a good amount of vacant houses in some areas. 

I closed on the house already.

My houses are usually in the $200K-$250K range

As far as I gather, a different spin on an old technique. " We buy ugly houses"... anyone?

@Agustin Silveyra have you looked into finding a house hacking agent yet to guide you?

I want to start flipping houses with hard money loans.

I pass by a vacant house everyday.