Don't forget that a lot of these old gurus started when the interest rates were near 0% and the house was a half price of now with 0 regulations.

Places like San Antonio might present more favorable cap rates, from what I read in Forbes recently.Refinancing could free up equity if today’s loan terms are more attrative, though that depends on current interest rates and the property’s updated value.

However, rates have since moved upward.A 30-year fixed rate mortgage is once again sitting around 7% interest:The real estate industry hoped 2024 would see a recovery in which mortgage rates fell and home sales climbed.

Is it to lower rate?

You'll find that interest rates will vary from bank to bank. 

Raising the rent to market rate is not discrimination.

My question is should I just suck it up until April, or should I drop my rent rates now to get renters.

I think the most interesting trend I've seen in the last 25 years has been the rise of good realtors like yourself who understand the power of the 1031. 

There are a lot of options out there, but the rates are excruciating right now for new flippers.

Alternatively you can do the LOC (line of credit) on it so you can retain the home but are definitely subject to today's current rate environment.