Nice points of advice, I'll share a little about what I have decided/been advised.
Avoid the mortgage insurance at all costs, it is a waste of money. This means putting about 15-20% down on the home when you purchase.
Consider appreciation, look at the homes around the house you are interested in. Are they well kept, are they young families or older retired people.
Make sure you look and see what property taxes are like, some of them are ridiculous.
Get some good solid criteria down, for instance when I said price, ranch, and a 2 car garage it narrowed the search tremendously.
I am planning on moving out in about a year and a half, and I am already looking/stopping at open houses, just to look and see what I like/don't like. I figure I'll know the house when I go through it.