I am completely new to the concept of investments and investment property. I've done research on rental properties and negative cash flow but am unclear how to actually measure if something is a good investment. Plus most examples consider buying a house and don't assume you already own the house and paid closing, down payment, etc.
I currently have a 15 year loan (14 yrs left) on a new build house I purchased for 274K with 10% down near the Austin, Tx area.
I am moving across the country to a home probably 100-150k 30 year loan and don't know if I should rent out my current house or sell it (the realtor thinks I can sell for for 290K and cover realtor costs to get what I paid last year).
I'm also currently around 60K in debt (student loans, car, and credit card).
Everyone I know says to sell it because I have debt working against me and it would be a negative cash flow, but from what I've read the Austin area is appreciating 5% and in 14 years, at most, I could have a paid off home bringing in a significant amount of money or sell for a significant amount.
The mortgage is $2500, rent would be around $1900, and a rental management company would be about $250 a month. About $1100 goes to equity each month of the mortgage right now, $600 to taxes, and the rest to interest.
Could someone guide me on how to get started in investment property and measuring if something is a good or bad idea (all recommendations I've received are from people who do not invest in rentals).