.), income, cashflow, debt, DTI, equity, property appreciation, rent appreciation, mortgage paydown & amortization, rate of net worth growth, cost of living increases, hours worked per week, cash on hand, etc, etc. 

Economists say a resurgence in mortgage rates and inflation could be softening sales at the start of what is traditionally real estate’s busiest season.

It's not looking good for rate cuts.

Since your owner occupied, lending is better.If you find a 5% interest rate, please let me know, I want in on that! 

It's not looking good for rate cuts.

Then every little claim means my rate climbs again.

I would go with a company who has multiple properties under management (ideally over 500 to really get the benefits a scale, think cheaper maintenance visits, experience placing tenants, lots of investor experience, ability to find deals within the brokerage, massive marketing channels for properties, systems in place to handle problems, experience handling a massive amount of problems, discounts for bringing multiple properties to manage).Also, make sure your property manager is motivated, experienced, and growing! 

Do I discount the rent from the escrow automatically?

Use one that has flexible pricing/spending options, memberships for discount pricing (these often pay for themselves with your first list). let me know if you need specific information about skip tracing

What kind of CAP rates can I expect in these areas?