Short term buy and hold vs just saving.

[Chris Kenyon]

Hello all. 

I need some advice. My goal is to get into flipping with in the next two years once I build up a bit more capital. 

In the mean time I have enough for a down payment to buy a property and rent it out. I am wondering if I should focus on buying a rental or just save? 

Will I lose any or all the money put into the property throughout that short term hold? 

I apologize if this doesn't make sense, and appreciate your input. 

Thank you.