Have you seen an increase on the rental side? 

The shorter the prepayment term has an impact on increasing the rate.4.

My thinking is increased value and cashflow on a long term hold.

Mortgage rates tend to fall as the supply of funds in the mortgage market increases, making homeownership more affordable.

Increasingly it’s the inexperienced investors who are making these decisions, often on their first investment.

The average increased from $326,908 in 2023 to $352,257 in 2024.

However, I’m actively managing my investment, taking on risk, and improving the property, which has significantly increased its value.

It sounds like a single family house where you will be living in the house(personal use).Therefore, you may not be getting the tax benefits you think you are.Consult an accountant.I am not sure why your sister would agree to this as well, she is losing $170,000 in this transaction and she faces the possibility of you increasing her rent.You also have to charge market rent or close to market rent or it is all deemed personal use.

May have to increase your budget to 550k range tho. 

The Birmingham market has been showing steady growth, with increasing demand for both single-family homes and multi-family properties.