To make things even more confusing, each company presents data in its own format.They use different assumptions for down payment percentage, interest rates, loan tenure, and expenses.

My son currently lives in the townhouse b/c he is going to school and works in the area.Since he is young and starting out in life, I would like for him to only cover the basic costs (taxes, HOA, utilities) just enough for me to break even (I believe that will put him slightly little lower than market rent rates). 

Most lenders will also look at debt coverage ratio which limits leverage at this time due to higher interest rates.

The metrics I'm primarily focused on are: rent appreciation rate, property appreciation rate, economic growth rate, unemployment rate on the macro level.

I took a heloc with the intention of investing currently at 1 million and the rates at 9 percent .

But to answer your question, House canary is good for rent rates, zillow is a good tool for property data and for seeing what is for rent for how much, sales comps etc. 

You could negotiate terms such as a lower interest rate or interest-only payments for a set period to ease your upfront burden.Lease-Option Agreement: If the landlord isn’t ready to sell outright, consider proposing a lease-option where you continue renting for a set period with an agreed purchase price.

Payouts would have to be set up from the sellers primary Airbnb account and you would want a contract written.

With $50k I can get 866 share x .264 payout a month is $228.62.

It’s quite appealing as a long term investment - even at today’s rates.