Basic economics, increase demand without similar increase in supply will raise prices.There is a growing strong latent demand, people are delaying household formation or doubling up with other families right now.If rates stay the same, the growing latent demand will begin to force its way into the market as people capitulate and decide they simply have to have a place of their own.In areas with consistent population increases and current housing shortages, stable rates will lead to strong appreciation of existing housing values and increased median home prices.

We are required to maintain a household at home while traveling and on assignment.  

Well, just the potential appreciation that could be seen with the 20,000 new jobs Intel is predicted to bring in with an average salary of $135,000 a year (currently over 2x the median house hold income in Licking County) - https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/01/24/mega-intel-c... 

Ultimately, they are an option to help lower income households afford a place to live. 

But -- rant incoming -- as @Erin Spradlin, resident midterm rental expert in our household would probably ask you, why limit your targeting to just one demographic? 

We currently have the below "bad debt" positions:Student loans - 50k (6%)Car loan - 29k (7.09%)2nd lien (current primary home) - 80k (6.08%)401k loan - 30k (9% - paid to yourself)401k loan - 20k (9.25% paid to yourself)Household income of 267k (not including bonus), roughly 100k cash currently and save around 6k a month not including yearly bonus's (33k + 14k = 47k net/yr) + 72k/yr (6k/mo x12) savings = 119k total net savings per year (rough estimate not including current rental)Should we pay off existing debt with the exception of our home loans (not including 2nd lien) or invest in a 250k townhome* that can rent anywhere from $2,000-$2,750/mo?

Let's say we meet for 1-3 hours per year, and you pay for math's sake 2k out of a household income of 200k. out of that 200k house hold income you are paying (for examples sake) 50K in taxes (tho it is likely much more for most people).

Record $17.5 trillion in household debt2.

@Derrick E. the new standard deductions are $12k for single filers, $18k for heads of household, and $24k for married taxpayers filing jointly.This has nothing to do with your rental deductions, however.

My thoughts for us average Joes:-Start by managing your household like a business.