As strange as it sounds, low interest debt is an asset during times of high inflation.

Addition risk results in additional revenue to compensate for the increased risk.  4) large housing shortage results in large need for housing, supply/demand.   5) inflation has caused most prices to rise.

I think several things are going on here: first, ppl have too much cash on hand that need to hedge against inflation; second, buyers try to lock in cheap mortgage before the projected rate hikes; third, some investors bet on appreciation as you suggested; and last, buy and hold strategy will allow more room than flipping (no need to budget in capital gain tax immediately and gives more time to let appreciation play out).

With inflation creeping up, I want to look into this as a hedge

Bear in mind that inflation last year was significantly more than 3%, and that translates to many of your costs going up significantly.

If you lose a tenant along the way, so be it.Particularly as we get into these high inflation years....you will be losing a LOT of money, and I'm sure that's not why you entered this business.At a loss of $1000 a month, you are leaving $12,000 a year on the table!

When the correction happens, and it's coming, those over-inflated markets will come down to reasonable demand levels. 

Getting ready to paint and would like to know if anyone has found the best sheen as in flat eggshell satin for the living areas, living room, bedrooms and the best color white, light Gray for example that would be a quick touch up later on with a roller in between tenants.

We have a of mortgages in this market and all I know is the real estate taxes are increasing at a very rapid rate, much faster then inflation and the ability to raise rents. 

Our results imply a fundamentals-based explanation for the recent increases in housing costs over speculation or financial factors, and that the evolution of remote work is likely to have large effects on the future path of house prices and inflation."