So you're thinking a few years down the line. You're ready to pack it in and move to the Outer Banks. Congrats! Your plan is to buy a home now, while property values are attractive and rent it out for a few years, or simply use it strictly for family and friends as a summer home. Sound familiar? Keep this in mind. Good rental properties often do not make good year-round homes. Properties on the Oceanside or Between the Highways often make great rentals and second homes because of their proximity to the ocean, but are not necessarily built for year-round living. Why? Small closets; lack of storage; transitional neighbors, non-family friendly communities and small bedrooms are just a few possible reasons. If you are hoping to start with an investment property and want to convert it some day to a full-time residence, make sure your realtor understands your goal, and be willing to sacrifice a few things, including rental income, in the early years to find a property that will suit your ultimate goal.