Maybe allow for a slight decrease for the top floor, just to ensure you're running conservative numbers.

Why does rent tend to stay flat, thereby decreasing cash flow/yield?

You could also narrow your filter to properties that are elevated, or have FEMA approved mitigation measures (flood vents; filled-in basements, etc), which can all decrease premiums w some private carriers, it seems.   

Unfortunately, I had a small decrease to my credit recently due to a missed payment - my current FICO score is 696.  

We paid PMI upfront to decrease our monthly expenses.

I am asking for advice on how to handle the process of clearing out her belongings in a way that does not expose me to any legal risk and also allows me to begin renovating and improving the unit as soon as possible to decrease the vacancy loss as much as possible while still being ethical and compassionate to her family.On a side note, the other tenant is a building inspector that deals with code violations for the city...sooooooo, I'm going to be pulling permits for everything related to the renovation and hope to create a positive relationship with him while he lives in the unit.Thank you in advance for your advice.  

Will your monthly rent/mortgage decrease?

Also, you are decreasing your leverage, which has both investment/return consequences and tax consequences.But, if your goal is to build up cash for your next deal, build up your cash... 

As soon as you get your money in cash it will start decreasing in value due to inflation.

I did speak to the assessor's office and unfortunately I do not believe I have a strong case for decreasing the taxes, at least not in the near future.