The insurance company may cover some or all of the restoration costs.Scope of Work and Budget:Detailed Inspection: Get a comprehensive inspection to identify all areas of damage, including hidden issues like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.Cost Estimation: Obtain detailed cost estimates for the restoration or rebuilding process from licensed contractors experienced in fire-damaged properties.Environmental Hazards:Asbestos and Lead Testing: Older properties may contain asbestos or lead, which can become hazardous after a fire.

Do you know if the property was community property and obtained a basis step-up at death of wife?

Should I consider obtaining a HELOC and using it as a down payment for an Airbnb or potential flip?

Try to obtain all of the paperwork the builder will provide you.

They are on a month to month and I just spent $150 obtaining a 9 page single spaced iron clad lease from a local attorney. 

To become a successful real estate investor, learn through books, find a mentor, start small, diversify, set clear goals, stay financially prudent, obtain a real estate license, encourage persistence, take breaks, and celebrate small wins.

Yet, I continually see individuals who are making loans at 8 - 10 % and accepting returns below what they could obtain as passive investors.  

Given the last commenter's advice about waiting for someone with experience to chime in the first time, that someone has to take a risk... the issue is that there is a high likelihood it will be either a loan-to-own lender looking to obtain functioning properties or a scam.If it's true, they would have SO much business; whatever funds they have available, they would be empty in 1 month or less because that would be the best deal in town if it's true.

@Joey Harris,The 1031 is designed to allow you to indefinitely defer paying tax on profit and depreciation recapture (a big big deal over time).  

In our case, we used our CPA, who creates SD 401(k) plans for his clients, though I’m sure he obtains them from a facilitator.You'll receive a disarmingly simple one-inch-thick three-ring binder containing your plan documents.