This is great of your accountant who may choose to advise that you liquidate shares during a tax year where you realize some loss elsewhere.

Just be sure to account for holding costs, which can add up quickly.Another option—since you're well-positioned in Austin—could be bridge financing or hard money lending for your flip.

Hello, I have purchased 4 different asset manager lists over the past two years, but three were ineffective with outdated information and many email bounce-backs or returned mail.The best list I found was at RealEstateTargetdotcom; I did a successful snail mail and email campaign, and picked up three new banks and an account with LPS.I also cross referenced names on the list to see who was attending or speaking at various REO conferences, and made efforts to meet asset managers in person.

In my experience, the turnaround time is fairly short and can be done in January/February and still leave enough time for your accountant to file taxes. 

Having a good game plan as an investor is key, making wise purchases, accurate budgets, holding subs accountable and to also know, yes, this may be the  current ARV at purchase, but how is this market trending and what’s our timeline.

So, they should be accounted for separately.

Will the city and insurance company hold me accountable and give me penalties even if it's living in the basement myself? 

I dont enjoy that it makes them sign up for a rent redi account etc. but I am not sure what other options to try.

Once you have a shortlist, sign up for an account with each one and test them extensively to see how they function.

It all depends on the scope of work and your available time to put towards organizing and finding the right contractors.