Then a wise man who was already successful doing what I wanted to be doing shared some common sense that I took to heart: settle on ONE strategy to get started and block out all the other noise, the BS, and the well intentioned but misinformed friends and relatives telling you that you can’t do this.

You can aim for a higher price next year when things are (hopefully) more settled.

They came out of the gates offering me about a 33% increase in what they were paying, and I settled for a 60% increase.

My assumption is you will get 75% loan to value when the dust settles just as you are prediciting. 

Be Ready to Walk AwayEven in a tough economy, it’s crucial not to overpay or settle for unfavorable terms: Stay Disciplined: Stick to your investment criteria, whether it’s cash flow, return on investment (ROI), or value-add potential.

@Mike Smithy If it were me, I would file the paperwork, serve him, and see if y'all can settle outside of court.

Is it settling over time?

The system was set up to allow those claims to go through, and with the right legal help, insurance companies would often settle to avoid going to court.

That may take a few years to settle itself, but that's not a neighborhood fundamentals issue and will correct itself naturally, especially as more neighborhood commercial and amenities continue to infill to meet the new population.

After you are established and settled in the job and location that you will call home for the near future, then house hack.