If you make a net loss renting annually you'd better flipping properties than renting.
Would you set up a cafe with the intent of only making money when you sell it in 20yrs time.
Of course you wouldn’t do it unless you could soak up the loss for as long as needed and were happy losing money.
My point is though that only a couple of years ago interest rates going this high was unthinkable so people could easily be caught out.
I myself looked into buying my sister’s share of my parents flat to rent it out. Fortunately the various additional potential expenses put me off but the interest rate rise would mean I would be losing a lot of money even without those.
I think a lot of landlords have realised the interest rates and taxes due are going to lose them money.
Quite a few empty houses for sale in my catchment and I had a look at an auction for the sw and whole blocks of flats were for sale and hmos.
I do think an auction could be the only place to find true value at the moment, if that is actually possible.
For instance what is the projected house price over the next 5 years? Probably in 10 years things will be more predictable but I can’t wait that long. So yes flipping would be an option but the costs involved are risky and the sale price a gamble. It could be a lot of effort and cost for little reward.