We BRRRR the properties (or hold them free & clear, depending on investor's preference), return the invested capital and split any excess in the refi 50/50.

So the MLS is a bit dry and very competitive.

The delays you mention seem excessive, that said, if the delays are due to the local utility company (some are common but not that long) then you don’t have a lot of options but I am feeling like the contractor here has caused at least some of the delays.

It's possible that your agent wasn't aware of some of the charges that would be in the closing costs like the upfront mortgage insurance premium.There might be some excess things in the estimate.

Stick to your conservative investment strategy, build up your dry powder and aggressively invest during the inevitable downturn (when that happens, I don't know...lol).

If the regular market will not cover it, have your agent check in the Excess/Surplus lines. 

My insurance was way excess of what the house was worth.

So far, I have not had any problems with excessive water use.  

@Alison Fountain Faced the exact same problem - banks happy to loan to you while you have the W-2 job, but when the job ends, the loans dry up.Try taking some local bankers out for a coffee or lunch and explain your situation.

This won't be done until the ground dries.