It grows slower than a brokerage account, but during disbursement phase you get much more out of it.I am not advocating putting all your eggs in the same basket, but using a permanent maximum overfunded life insurance in your portfolio mix is an excellent diversification.

They're looking at Zillow on their cell phones). 

So, over the past year I’ve been using a proprietary software that allows me to collect data of commercial property owner: Name, cell and home phone number, email address, home address.

Adjust the cells for your area of course.I’d be glad to email or give the link - lmk Good luck and have fun!

All eggs in one basket - we know that coastal areas get hit by storms, so it worries me to have my vacation rentals in one area, because one storm could wipe them all out.

Cell phone service coverage, etc. 

A friend has kids, and they currently have three dogs, a rabbit, fish, a turtle in the house (not to mention the three ducks and six chickens for fresh eggs... of course, those stay in the back yard). 

The highest ROI comes at 4 beds and up (I used to have all small ones and traded up for bigger ones).And the less sets of roofs, HVACS, plumbing, etc you have to manage, the more efficient your business.The flip side of that is the “eggs in one basket” argument, which is also valid.

I'm needing cameras and video to my cell phone and my property manager's cell phone.   

I went the submeter route and am very happy with True Submeter, they send you the kit to have installed by plumber. https://truesubmeter.com/Then they monitor usage via the cell network and send you the bill (or your PM) to then bill the tenant.