Got preapproved... SFR, MFR, or Wait? (Inland Empire, CA)

[Ricky Anon]

Hello everyone,

So I finally got word back from my lender and got pre-approved for about $280K. Now that I have a solid number to work with I have to make some real decisions and I'd love to hear your thoughts...

First of... I am currently living/working in the Inland Empire, CA (Fontana/Riverside) . I am pretty confident I will be in this area for at least 2-3 more years. Not exactly sure where I will be after that time period, most likely closer to LA (family, friends, gf, all live in LA) 

My initial goal was to "house hack" a duplex, but after some looking on redfin/trulia, it seems almost impossible to do with the amount I got preapproved with. That leaves me with 2 other options... look for a single family unit/condo or wait. This is where I'm stuck... I want to own property and I know I can probably find something for my price range. But like I said, I plan on moving closer to LA eventually...I'm scared I won't be able to rent out my place later, or if I do, if it will create positive cashflow...  What would you recommend? Is playing the waiting game the smarter choice here? 

Thanks in advance for any input.