Additionally, we have equity of approximately $145,000.Now, we are faced with a dilemma: should we sell our current property and purchase in a more favorable neighborhood, or should we rent the house and let it pay for itself.We would greatly appreciate any advice you may have.

That being said, I'm always an advocate for paying for mentorship to fast track your goals. 

Now, you need to figure out how to find deals and pay for them.

Withoutknowing the details I can not suggest which would be right to add on.Several you should pay attention to are:- Ordinance & Law: Provides additional building coverage to deal with rebuilding costIncreases due to changes in Zoning or Building laws- Personal Injury Liability: Libel, defamation of character, wrongful imprisonment, etc.

A longer timeline will make paying the extra 2% now more attractive.

Insurance would cover it, I would pay the deductible, and no assets would be lost.If you are in an area like San Diego where people are more likely to sue, a judge is more likely to find you guilty, and the payout is expected to be higher, you may consider an umbrella insurance policy.

it may get worse though as folks get out and check things out.

We will be paying nearly $50,000/year in property insurance.

Landlord will promptly respond to Tenant request for repairs but will not be monetarily responsible for tenant disruptions or inconveniences during habitable times of repairs or tenant/guest injuries incurred in or around obvious areas of maintenance, repairs, or construction.We are more converned about them expecting us to pay for their losses rather than getting recouped for damages to our property. 

. $1300/month, tenant pays all utilities. 4 bedroom one is vacant.