This is the most cost effective strategy if you have a limited budget. 

Years ago, I could file claims for small, even minimal, damages on my rental properties, like a few fence pieces blown off during a storm.

STR's still offer value over hotels in cost per room and offer things like private pools.In back to back storms we had 14 out of 65 units damaged to the extent of taking them offline. 

In fact, people are more likely to sell and move elsewhere if they are overwhelmed with the damages.

But since you said Helene was a flood damage, you might be able to use that first to get the coverage.

In my opinion, this is much more effective than texting, which often feels like a constant game of cat and mouse with phone carriers.

In my opinion, this is far more effective than texting, which often feels like a constant game of cat and mouse with phone carriers.it is relativly simple and although costing money it is relativly the more cost effective one.

I had one particular vendor with high standards that would exaggerate anything he found.My rule of thumb: people can live how they want to live as long as they are not 1. damaging the property2. living in filth that attracts pests3. impacting the neighbors (e.g. odors, junk detracting from the neighborhood, etc)4. creating an unsafe situation (e.g. hoarding and rescue workers can't access the home)When I visit a property, I document any issues and talk to the tenant.

As I've learned more about analyzing properties I have quickly discovered we had to make some changes to our current rents and with changes going into effect next month the property will cash flow around $675/month, we only have about 7 more years on a small lean we have on the building, after that it should cash flow around $1000/month and be paid off with no leans. 

Miscommunication can lead to conflicts, eroding trust and making it hard to collaborate effectively.