While the home needs to be paid for prior to delivery in many cases, the transport companies carry the insurance from the factory to the site. 

Marketing, screening, collecting rent, unpaid rent, maintenance, capex, insurance, lawn care, vacancies, turnover costs, inspections, and so much more. 

If your place is cheaper but I have to worry about utilities that I even have to set up that could be as high as $1000 a month, that definitely factors into my decision.

Unfortunately, insurance may decline for one or another reason. 

Some people will say, "Take out a quality Insurance Policy and you will be protected."

I would think your insurance agent might have access to some historical information for a specific area as they would want to examine this closely for their underwriting.

Obsession isn't a bad thing in this case as long as you don't make poor decisions just to "get in the game"It sounds like your motive to get in real estate is a good one if you are looking to help other people.

The operation of an STR has almost nothing to do with real estate and 100% to do with hospitality, that is where you can distinguish yourself from other operators, provided you made a good decision in your initial purchase. 

It’s a tough decision, but we’re adjusting our strategy to align with market conditions and our timeline.Having come from a corporate background, I’m used to doing these kinds of planning exercises.

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.