Maybe you planned for interest rates to drop and they didn’t.

.)- Average days on market- Absorption rate- Historical data on rents and sale prices in the area- Population growth- Main economic drivers (industries, individual companies, etc.)- Crime stats... if you know specific zip codes/submarkets that you'd like to target, the best data will come from local precincts. - and more..I'd recommend remaining active not only here on BiggerPockets, but in other valuable RE investment networks that you can find - i.e. local meetups (meetup.com, eventbrite, BP local events). 

The program stipulates that you MUST stay in the home 5 years or you lose a pro rated portion of that 8k.

That is an impressive rate!

@Mike Donovan I would recommend finding a local insurance broker to get the best rate to fit your needs.  

Overall nationwide cap rates are rising because of interest rate increases.

How about the interest rate - is there also a different rate for citizens and non-citizens?  

I would just be careful hopping back in now as interest rates and low inventory are making it very difficult if you aren't finding your own off-market options to buy.

Strong job growth, low unemployment rate, and strong population growth.

That is the best option if you are truly trying to help a family member.you cannot get control of the mortgage, you can do sub2 but you are not in control, the bank could call it due if they see the property transfers title.The other way is for you to buy it from them at market rate, then rent it back to them at market rate.