I don't know the intricacies of how they are installed or if one is cheaper but I can say with 100% certainty they are going to be better in the snow/winter and extreme weather. 

Is Texas better than KS, it seems I saw a log of complains of the high property tax!!

Honestly you’re not gonna cash flow pretty much anywhere in the region and to be honest you can “house hack” a rental basically you could rent a room in a house, the biggest reason to buy is over time, the appreciation plus locked in payment looks better over time, frankly that time horizon is about 5 years on average right now, if you expect to be in the region for the next 5+ years buy something I’d probably prioritize buying something your comfortable in for the medium term than “cash flow” which your not gonna find regardless with these rates. 

If you can refi out after a few years at little to no cost should rates fall enough to find a better loan, it's good to keep in mind.#2: Residential is (broadly) safer, and retail's sure had its ups and downs over the years.

I bought it for $170K and 2.5 years later its worth $185K.Is it better to keep the rental (as part of my retirement planning) as a long- term investment or should I sell, pay off all consumer debt ($67K) and put the left over cash in IRA, 401K, HYSA?

If your listing says you can sleep 12 people, you better have more than 6 place settings. 10 - Vacation Rental Insurance.

Now, of course, like anything else some contractors are better than others.

I am hoping there are better ways to acquire a property then doing this, willing to hear any suggestions. 

if its all your money and risk. then the 50 /50 split is not warranted at this level.I would want a better split for sure.. something like Hey we pay you set fee and a bonus but no way 5050 at least for me

If you are getting your hands dirty I'd say stay local because your appreciation will be better long term but if you want the passive route there are several markets east of you and maybe north.