Or does my ability to qualify for a mortgage for this type of situation decrease significantly while also increasing competition with other homebuyers?

It’s my favorite money to borrow, but I do like to repay it since it decreases my w2 as it automatically repays from my checks.

The advantages would be both savings in taxes on the capital gains, and a greater deductible year after year that would decrease my taxes on the rental income. 

Decreased demand for starter homesFirst-time home-buyers will feel the effects of the mortgage rule changes the most, as they must now reach a higher level of financial health.

Their policies such as defunding the police in high crime neighborhoods are INCREASING not decreasing black homicide you can already see the immediate affects of this currently.

If I was on a tighter budget, however, and couldn’t afford a PITI payment on top of my living expenses, I probably would instead put my focus into increasing my income and/or decreasing expenses, as opposed to investing my money.Additionally, I have a goal of retiring from the 9-5 lifestyle by the time I’m 50 and relying on my RE investments for income.

I have some concerns regarding the housing market and my home value decreasing over the next year. 

Doubt you will see a significant decrease because of the inquiries.

It won’t go away entirely, but I bet it will decrease since more companies are allowing WFH.

@Kama Cicero I work in the market also and it's likely the price, units are moving but at a 3-5% decrease in rental rate from the year before.