While I know I want to use the buy and hold strategy, I keep putting it off by prioritising professional goals first.

Prioritise guest experience and reviews.Hope it helps,best of luck!

I am thinking to prioritise cash flow over appreciation, as appreciation is speculative and financial independence is my end goal.

You already suggested that you would not raise it this year if they disagreed so obviously you do not prioritising income.

I have looked into markets surrounding cities such as Houston, Dallas, Tampa etc. but without any local knowledge it is difficult to judge their potential.I understand that each market is unique and studying the local dynamics is crucial, I want to prioritise areas where I can at least break-even on long-term rent.

Hobby landlords will fall for this tactic since income is generally of a lower priority for them as they tend to prioritise ease of management over profits.

Prioritise your business needs not your tenants.You raise rent the amount necessary to cover your increased costs not a token amount you feel a tenant may be comfortable with.

You will not find any person that will prioritise a lease over life circumstances when they are in a position that necessitates a move. 

I agree with the posters that a lot of the problems are prioritisation issues, I see folks come in the office wearing $400 shoes, their kids in designer outfits and they boast about it, but they don't have a dime in the bank.

If you are operating as a business you should be prioritising income.