Additionally, if you have any recommendations for professionals I should consult regarding these decisions, please feel free to share.

We're kind of just sitting and waiting at the moment, which doesn't feel great!

Hope this helps feel free to reach out. 

I would like to buy a home as i feel the prices will shoot up by the next year when the interest rate comes down and also, i feel 3400 rent is too high to pay .Should I buy a townhouse as my primary residence in Silicon Valley (Sunnyvale, SJ, Fremont, etc.) for $1-1.2M, or should I buy an investment SFH (Single Family Home) outside the area for $600-700k, given that I need to move out of the country for 1-1.5 years and want to ensure a good rental market to cover my mortgage or part of my mortgage?

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions in regards to what to ask property managers and how to find one that is a good fit!

I feel like it can't be all that complicated as it's done all the time. 

You need to know them inside and out first so you can verify they are handling the legalities in a correct manner because ultimately you are responsible for following the laws.Lastly, how willing are they to talk to you and how genuine and sincere do you feel when you ask them questions and receive answers.

I just feel bad when I know I will be the one who will be doing the work and not paying them.

If you feel you can move that money somewhere else to get a better return then that is the move. 

I would focus on identifying an area you feel comfortable living for that time period and let the market rents increase and then move forward renting it.