Option 1: interest rate between 10-15% with a max of 18%.

Hi Ayyoub Research is the key, Conduct thorough market research to understand why the competing property is listed at a lower rent, Consider any improvements or upgrades that could enhance the appeal of your property to potential tenants, If you're unable to match the lower rental rate of the competing property, consider other incentives to attract tenants, such as offering a shorter lease term, including utilities in the rent, or providing additional amenities.Hope it helps.

To make the best choice, consider your time commitment, risk tolerance, and do some research on rental rates in your target area.

I paid for the year upfront for cheaper rates, and check it weekly.

It currently just breaks even with today’s interest rates and reported expenses and therefore wouldn’t meet my requirements of being a cash flowing asset.

Here's a quick snapshot from the COVID outbreak of early 2020 to February 2024:Key TrendsCondo prices: 📈 65% since March 2020Single-family homes: 📈 75% since March 2020Rapid appreciation mostly in 2020, stable/slight gains sinceMarket resilience despite rising rates and insurance costsAI stock market-fueled wealth could drive more home purchasesMy Prediction:Prime single-family homes: Prices remain stable or increaseCondos: Flat unless truly distinctiveThe Big Question: Are YOU ready to buy or sell?

You raise money at a fixed interest rate, when the investor's get their return any profits on top are yours, and then when the investor get's their initial investment back it's all yours. 

I could house hack it though to help supplement some of those costs, maybe get into a home that needs some fixing up and then when rates come down and I get that forced appreciation I could refi and pull out some money if I’ve gained some equity?

And the rates are coming down, wait for a better sale price when is completed.

This either implies there are significant barriers making it difficult to replicate this opportunity or is being acquired at a significant discount, which is it?