I find that cash flow is very important so that I don’t have to come “out of pocket” to pay for major improvements / repairs  

Once rates change direction and start a new directional trend, it usually takes a major event or change in fundamentals to reverse again.

Feel free to inquire about their staff qualifications if it's a larger organization.2.

Glad you dodged a major bullet! 

We used one of our existing local lenders to provide the majority of the purchase, and the rest was provided from our investors.

This could be a huge problem, as the "the rent is too damn high" people will be extremely upset with huge surges in the cost of living, felt acutely in some major metros.3) 2027-2029 should see a return to a more normal inflation adjusted rent growth curve, with the caveat that if supply continues to remain relatively low, we could see national rent growth outpace inflation in these years as well, so long as interest rates remain high. 

@Nathan Gesner Do you personally work with any such organizations?

I think a majority of owners voted to mandate sales and rentals go through the board first..at some point.  

Additionally, Gilbert and Chandler have emerged as strong markets for short-term rentals, benefiting from a combination of year-round tourism, a family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to major attractions.

As an investor here myself, I can tell you we're seeing solid rental demand here thanks to the strong job market and major employers developing here.