Here’s the comment I got from the professor at the USC Lusk Center, it was very informative and from a knowledgable source regarding the metadata associated with home purchases in the area:

Dear Major,

Even though fixed mortgage rates are still very low, there has indeed been a price run up in LA County during the past five years. The market is cooling and further gains are likely to remain flat for the next few years. The area that you are considering in the Antelope Valley has some of the least expensive rents. Since you may be leaving in two to four years and seeling the house, it is not an ideal time to buy. These decisions are always very personal and everyone’s situation is different. So, good luck with your decision.

NAME REMOVED, TITLE REMOVED (but high up)
Casden Real Estate Economics Forecast, USC Lusk Center Associate Professor, Marshall School of Business University of Southern California Bridge Hall 401E Los Angeles, CA 90089-0809