The deal doesn't work as well with higher interest rates.

Maintenance and potential repairs will also require a long-term financial plan and setting aside a contingency fund for such expenses.The steady cash flow, appreciation over time, and tax benefits can make a meaningful difference to your wealth in the long term, especially with the principal paydown on the mortgage.However, if managing the property from a distance feels too burdensome, or if you’d prefer the certainty and flexibility that comes with having less debt (especially given the high mortgage rates), selling and using the $100,000 in equity to reduce your loan for your next home may be the smarter move.

Surprisingly, these homes that once sold for $7,000 are now selling for close to $1,000,000 and it doesn't seem as though the rate of appreciations is decreasing anytime soon. 

We only get a statement from the management company about the rate.

That rate does not sound out of line for an STR.

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). 

Renovations that truly add value-like modern kitchens, open floor plans, and energy-efficient upgrades are making the difference in selling faster and at top dollar.Financing & Interest Rates: The higher cost of borrowing has made tight budgeting more important than ever.

Elite’s rates are a little higher but they sound MUCH more flexible.

And for reference my sister is dealing with a run down house in Louisiana that has a value of about $95,000 and she shopped multiple policies with multiple insurance companies and the best rate she could get was $2500.

I'm sure you will need tools to find deals (eg price/sqft etc), estimate rents, calculate cash-on-cash returns, cap rate etc.