From what I was always told anything less than a 3 year commitment in a really booming market or 5+ is a ok market then rent more than that then buy. Always be prepared to have to sit on the property or rent it out if the market is rough when you need to move. My husband and I have gotten lucky with the last couple places we had. We bought the worst house in an improving neighborhood and the remodeled as we lived there. We have more than doubled our investment each time. However the market across the country is **** right now and predicted to continue on a downward slope for at least another 18 months so be careful and do your research.

__________________
Sometimes the questions are complicated
but the answer is simple. - Dr.Seuss