-save $1k+ in taxes and fees yearly-can use the savings to get more insurance and a higher liability than the value of house. for flipping houses in California does anyone just put into sole proprietor own name and just use the $1k+ in savings for LLC costs into Insurance or use for savingor am I just being too risky. 

Northern VA is such a great place to invest right now, a great sweet spot in value add properties + availability.

This implies that if I had confidence of better than normal appreciation or ways to add value, I would purchase a negative cash flow property.  

Unless you are buying at a significant discount, or are hacking it, or have some other value added strategy or plan.

With record low inventory and sales transactions there's no low hanging fruit.In this market we think the best opportunities are value-add (BRRRR'ish), zoning changes allowing density (ADUs), or seller financing deals (buy a lower rate).

For existing properties, you must make substantial improvements (equal to the property’s value, excluding land) within 30 months.Ensure the duplex qualifies as an OZ investment and complies with QOF rules.

Quote from @Brendan Jones: For the homes, and or properties that you will use as a primary or a rental property one big thing I look for is infrastructure in the area, extrinsic value (I.e. hospitals in the area, schools, and job market), and the last thing is creature comforts for people (I.e. is a store to get groceries 1 hour away or 2 minutes away).

Have to start from scratch on reviews/super host status. 

I remember years ago our attorney reviewing one such issue for a client that was coming over to us. 

If you can find comps that support a lower assessed value, it's worth trying to appeal.