<prompt> Human: My family - me, my wife both mid-30s and 2-year-old child - will be moving to Hawaii for about two years in the fall. Our combined income is currently about 150k well retain these jobs when we move and we own our home in Illinois outright no mortgage, no loans. Since we currently plan to move back to Illinois in about 2 years, we want to retain the Illinois home and rent it while were gone.The question is, should we simply rent while in Hawaii or look into getting a home equity loan and buy a property in Hawaii with the idea of either selling it in about 2 years when we return to Illinois, or using it as rental income? Were already considering a home equity loan or refinance to get some cash to make improvements on the home prior to our departure. I know in general people in this sub advise buying over renting, but I wonder if youll feel the same way when its a temporary move and another home is already owned.  <response>: You want to long distance landlord in Hawaii in two years? That has tons of risk and cost.Selling in two years can cost you a ton of money and hassle. Realtor and closing costs will make you wish you just rented. 