My interest rate and purchase price wouldn’t allow for positive cash flow unless I charged an unreasonable rent—or put about $500K toward the principal, which isn't ideal.I’m a high earner, so I’m weighing my options:Take the loss ($60K-$100K), buy another house, and chalk this up to a hard lesson learned.Refinance, put more money into it, and rent it out long-term—even if it’s not immediately profitable.Invest my money elsewhere and try to make peace with staying here for several years.Would love to hear thoughts from anyone with experience in real estate, financial strategy, or noise mitigation.

Duplexes cash flow better, have less risk, AND EASIER TO MANAGE compared to a SFH.  

I think it is fair to say that there is somewhat of a tradeoff between markets that provide positive cash flow on day one and relatively high appreciation-based markets.

If your goal is day-one cash flow, the current high interest rates will make it very difficult.

You will never get that back in terms of additional cash flow

What you’re suggesting is not cash flow, it’s return of principle, giving her her own money back  If she sells with your deal.

I suggest you buy fewer but better properties for better cash flow and appreciation. 

At those price points I'm assuming this is a more cash flow area like the rust belt, or other mid west geography.

I would recommend fixing it and then determining whether or not to sell based on cash flow and profit after the sale.

Here’s a breakdown of the main ways investors fund their first deal while minimizing their own cash outlay:1.Private Money & Hard Money Loans– These lenders focus more on the deal than on your personal finances.