I am interested in learning about investing in real estate, especially fix and flips and the BRRR method, using my rehab knowledge and my guys on slower days to build equity.  

If interested, DM me.

Roof repairs, broken this, broken that.

You could also get a line of credit for about $150k (you should be able to borrow 75% of the value.)The reason I suggest this is…1) you save $40-$60k in selling costs. 2) you have a lower blended interest rate (2/3rds at 3.25% and 1/3rd at 7 or 8% instead of the whole $500k at 7 or 8%) saving you another $1k/mo in interest. 3) you only pay interest on that $150k when you actually use it, not from day 1  Unless you hate this property, or want to buy something you can’t afford without selling, that would be my plan.

The information contained in this post is not to be relied upon.

This goes back to the aspect that you can't rely solely on one metric. 

My biggest question is this: do you think I should continue to rent for now and prioritize tackling loans?

This will allow you to take on bigger deals with your cash on hand.LTC is a ratio with the potential to limit your loan amount.

This issue also naturally drives up deductibles.  

If you can rent it for enough to cover the principal, interest, taxes and insurance and still put money in your pocket, plus cash flow on the property you're purchasing, that would be ideal.