Should I buy a house/apt or stay in hotel/airbnb?

[Osamede Edokpolo]

Hi folks. I am wondering what people’s thoughts are on this. I have a contract for 6-12 months in St. Louis, MO most likely 12 months or longer, starting in August. I worked there before and stayed in a hotel for nearly a year. I was wondering if it makes sense to find an apt or house to buy and stay in it with a plan to rent it out if I end up leaving.

A few things to know, last time I stayed at the hotel, I was spending upwards of $2000/month and constantly moving my stuff with me on the weekends that I wasn’t there. The hotel has quoted me a rate now that will prolly be closer to $3k with taxes monthly, and long term ABNB is going to be around that.

Secondly, I rent a place in Springfield, MO, my wife and children are there. Can this be considered my primary home and first time buyer in which case I will be able to get physician mortgage with little to no down payment?

To be clear this is primarily going to be an investment property in the long run if my contract isn’t extended so I would like to be able to get a decent place that the rent down the road will make it cash flow assuming I end up renting it out. For those who know St. Louis, I am going to be working near Arsenal Street, not too far from Kingshighway Road. I would like to be under $200k all in if possible

I am open to ideas and suggestions. Thanks