We helped her move to PA from FL, provided a furnished apartment at a reduced rate for a while, etc.

Interest rates doubled within a six month period of time and property sales almost completely stopped. 

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). 

Interest rates are NOT high right now.

She charges a flat 10% rate. 

Plus, that is the cheapest that money will ever be for you.  2.65% interest rate? 

There are other options, the $60,350 mortgage does exist, but you didn't say what the value of the property is, but the variable rate mortgage of 8.75% to 11.75% indicates several thing. 

and 5 years is a long window for things to change in ways we don't expect (lower interest rates maybe??).

This works with any type of appreciating property such as real estate, stocks, etcDepending on the appreciation rate, you can potentially see asset values double every 7-14 years.Likely around 7 years if the appreciation rate is 8%Likely around 14 years if the appreciation rate is 4%If you buy something for $100,000 and it appreciates to $200,000, you can potentially take a loan on the $100,000 appreciation which would not be considered a taxable event.However, be mindful that you are paying interest on the loan and you have to payback the loan but yes, it would not add on to your taxable income.

Although the Joshua additional demand is smaller, it is closer to DFW, which means its rental rates will be higher.