But when speaking to the experts, they tell me prices will continue to rise for the next year or two at least.

A lot of the considerations will be dependent on where you are looking and what kinds of properties.

We do what we have to do but never doubt, we will rise above this and remain the great people of the State of Louisiana. 

In general, I think the neighborhood is on the rise due to proximity to downtown, I-5/Seattle access, etc.

If you capture additional equity at purchase it gives you more options:  you can sell immediately if you needed to, you get a bigger pay out when you sell, you can get a cash-out refi sooner because you do not have to wait for the market to rise, or you can hold from a stronger position because you should be able to find deals that get more than $200/ mo cash flow.  

There is a considerable amount of that going on right now because it can be less risky.

After a considerable amount of research and talks with my wife, we decided to rent it.

Post on craigslist for buyers, and grow your list.Getting buyers is stupid easy so don't waste too much brain power on this.Instead do SEO and now learn about Direct Mailing.Learn all you can, learn from the mistakes of others here.After about 1 month you should be here:1) have a solid understanding of SEO and you are ready to apply it to your site2) You have a solid understanding of DMM (Direct Mail Marketing) and you should be getting ready to send out your first campaign Each of these 2 points needs considerate subtasking but you need to start somewhere.

I’m sure you’ll take into consideration that a mobile will most likely depreciate so your exit may only be to rent .

There is ONLY one real confidence booster.And I challenge anyone and everyone to the death on this one.Working hard, sweating tears and blood,  standing back up after you get bish-slapped to the ground, rising above it all trembling and bloody, .... depositing your first paycheck and hear that "chee cheeng"...