My wife is a real estate agent and in passing very recently I've heard her say that interest rates are not the best right now for purchasing houses in US and likely to get worse before better. This may be in comparison to some pretty good rates that were available 6 months ago or more. That said if you definitely want to buy now, it may be better than now than "worse" soon later. Don't shoot the messenger? ...but as history repeats you could weather it and wait until things calm down again. Keeping the current track for up to 5 years as you mention gives you plenty of time to keep your eyes open and possibly happen upon what you're looking for without stress and maybe you decide to pounce on something, due to something good that comes along.
Not sure how many folks you need to house or how much space you need, but looking for a decent plot of land and placing a modular home can be a good way to get a less expensive foothold....something to sell to upgrade later if not just building a larger house on the same lot.
Construction loans can be nice in that you make minimal payments until everything is in place.
Can't think of anywhere in the universe right now that won't earn you money while you pass the time, selling for more than you purchased. Real estate is the only "retirement plan" that I trust without some sort of anxiety. We can't always know when 401K or stocks will take an annoying downward turn, but real estate seems to always be a safe bet. Just living somewhere can allow progress and some gains.