What is the most efficient method to connect with potential renters or claims representatives?

Another great option is the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), where you buy a fixer-upper, renovate it, rent it out, and refinance to pull your cash back for the next deal, and this is a good route because most private lenders can go higher LTV than on a rental loan! 

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

You can use this property to hedge any others that you add that may only cover themselves, or require supplement until they are paid off.HOWEVER, if you have decided that your goal is to use Real Estate as a stepping stone to build wealth by upgrading the property you hold each time (condo to house, house to 4-plex, 4-plex to 8 unit, etc) then I think you are right to sell now while you think the property is at the top of it's appreciation.It will be hard for anyone on BP to tell you what to do as we don't know your goal.You are right. 

There are several steps before evaluating deals, but you may have done them.

Starting out in real estate can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into clear steps makes it manageable.

If it is last rental rate charged, then you may have to get creative to accomplish what you want to while still working within the law.Here's an idea to explore.....If it is a 10% increase over the last rental rate you charged, consider using a step pricing lease if allowed by your state. 

While the townhome is in good shape overall, it does need some mild cosmetic updates to bring it up to rental standards.My goal is to leverage this property to start building a real estate portfolio, but I’m not sure what the best first step is.

I've been following the build-to-rent method for some time and even lived in one for 2 years.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.