Hoi Deborah,Both Jasper and Stacy, did a good job of explaining how a DSCR works. 

I feel like it's more advantageous to pay off one house to save on interest, HOI, and have some cushion for repairs for the rental houses.

You'd need to show enough funds to close (down payment + HOI + Title + Fees) and usually 3-6 months reserves. 

Regarding homeowner's insurance, I would recommend just contacting a local insurance broker in your area and let them know you're looking to switch your HOI policy to a landlord policy. 

They're currently provided HOI on a couple rentals for us in the BR area.

My houston properties are getting re-assessed for new HOIs, I am looking at Hawaii and finding it hard.

HOI in the Charleston area is likely to be much more expensive than in other states.

The non-linear rate increases in HOIs, capex, etc., your "scale number" will force you out if you move too tight.

I could not find any indication this is law, and I'm still finding recently-written articles about what to do when your HELOC balloon payment comes due. https://www.lendingtree.com/ho... Is

As of Nov 1, 2023 lots of HOI providers have stepped out of Harris County.