cassiopeia –in response to your comment, I do plan to use the condo as a stepping stone to a bigger place, but I’m also realistic in knowing that I could potentially have to hold on to the place as well. I’ve already factored this into consideration that whatever I buy, I have to be able to say to myself that I can be happy living in it for at least 5 years, and maybe renting it out for another 5-10 years depending on the market.

That’s why I’m looking into areas that are considered desirable for whatever reason, and will be able to rent it out at a fairly high rate when it comes to that point.