I've been looking to get a first primary residence near DC to stay close to family on the Eastern Shore and own my first place + have a good investment (I just want to wake up in a house and know it is mine...like that feeling of being an owner & knowing tenants are helping pay down the investment).

I want to live in one unit and rent the other units out (to cover the payment), though I could cover the payment at any time for a couple of years.

I've heard good things about Herndon (I saw it is close to Dulles Airport which is good since that isn't going to go away), but those prices are a bit expensive and worry me especially with everyone synonymously agreeing that real estate prices are at all-time highs and inventory at all-time lows. Richmond as well, etc.

It'd be nice to get a place that has these characteristics:

• $350,000 - $400,000
• Stand-alone home (not a townhouse)
• 4-5 bed, 2-3 bath
• Strong renters market
• ~30 minutes by car to DC
• Good garage (2 cars wide & driveway)
• Safe neighborhood
• Good job market & public services
  

I'm not sure where to look and don't have an agent. I'm just loosely interested right now and will likely start searching more near November end.

Thanks for the help!