Naturally, they are your competition and the daily rates need to be taken into account.

McKinney is thriving, but so are other parts of North Texas, and a broader perspective could reveal other great opportunities.Here’s what I’ve observed managing a significant number of rentals in the area:Bedrooms and Layouts:3-bed, 2-bath homes consistently attract the largest pool of tenants and have the highest occupancy rates.4-bedroom homes have grown in demand, especially with the rise of remote work, as tenants look for extra space to use as a home office.Square footage is less critical than number of beds and baths.Supply and Demand:McKinney’s growth is driving demand, but the quality of the location matters greatly.

I'd wait this one out until rates lower and you can refi and learn from it to buy better the next time around. 

My first mortgage was almost 11% and that was a good rate.

You could also get a line of credit for about $150k (you should be able to borrow 75% of the value.)The reason I suggest this is…1) you save $40-$60k in selling costs. 2) you have a lower blended interest rate (2/3rds at 3.25% and 1/3rd at 7 or 8% instead of the whole $500k at 7 or 8%) saving you another $1k/mo in interest. 3) you only pay interest on that $150k when you actually use it, not from day 1  Unless you hate this property, or want to buy something you can’t afford without selling, that would be my plan.

One difference was to have two properties appreciating (though at very different rates as they were in different areas) instead of 1.

If so what are the interest rates on those debts?

It's definitely possible to get a loan as a foreigner but the rates will be high(er) and the downpayment required will be as well.

Everyone’s got the same problem: STR oversaturationPrices are high in most markets and if/when you do buy, your competition is fierce thus pushing down nightly rates and occupancy rates in almost every worthwhile marketGood luck fixing that! 

Quote from @Sean Kirk: I'm seeing what seems to be 10%+ cap rates on roofstock.