@TC13 wrote:I currently have the Canon EOS Rebel T5 (gifted to me in 2016). I am halfway through an online photography class and am looking to buy a new camera. I have been looking into the Rebel t7i or Rebel SL3. I am obviously a beginning photographer, but hope to make a side career out of it in the future. I don't want to spend money on a new camera if I am going to have to upgrade again in the near future. Just curious as to what cameras anyone reccommends or any reviews on the cameras I listed. Hoping to keep it under $700 if possible. Thanks in advance!
What exactly is it about your existing camera that requires you to get an upgrade? You mention you have a Rebel T5 (not the T5i?), and what lenses do you have at this point? You have not idenfied what kind or kinds of photography you wish to pursue - that is important as it has a major impact on the gear, especially lenses, that you would consider.
" I don't want to spend money on a new camera if I am going to have to upgrade again in the near future." Then DON'T.
There are a lot of changes coming on line in the technology area in the near future and with your limited experience and budget I don't think you have enough of either to warrant spending money right now.
As you say you are just starting out and in the middle of a course - do NOTHING until you complete the course.
Learn to use your camera to its maximum and take a LOT of images.
Invest time in REALLY examining the images of great photographers (and painters) in the genres you want to pursue. When I first started my photographic journey I studied other photographers for almost a year before I bought my first camera.
With practice you will get to know your camera - you will know when you are there when you can touch any control you want without looking at the camera. Most Canon DSLRs work much the same, so your investment will pay dividends when you do upgrade. Practice will help you to learn about the limitations of your gear and then you can be precise as to your needs.
If you are serious about wanting to progress into a semi-professional then $700 will not get you outfitted with the gear (bodies and lenses) you would need. An interchangeable lens camera is far more than a body - it's very much about the glass, and an investment in good lenses will last you a lot longer than a body. A great lens on an older or cheaper body will generally outperform a great body with cheap glass, but frankly a good balance of both is important.
The image below was taken with a Canon EOS 400D (Rebel Xti) and a Canon EF-28-300 L zoom. Both vintage 2004.
I can understand the temptation to get better gear, but better equipment does not, in itself, make you a better photographer.
Just in case you need more guidance read THIS post
One of the best things you will ever learn is that photography is more about technique than tech...
Canon has some strange pricing systems, but depending on which lenses you already have one of the les/camera kits is a great buy.
The first lens kit has the 18-55STM lens, which is superior to the non-STM lens in the second kit. But, the 55-250 STM lens is a very good lens.
"... the best teacher is just going out there and gaining experience taking photos under a variety of conditions, and subjects."
Absolutely! 
