"Most" water damage claims can be fixed and closed within a few weeks or months, where a fire claim "may" take 6 months to 1 year to close out due to more extensive construction, delays in materials or labor, weather/seasonal delays, etc. 

If I just sell with no 1031, I have the funds to invest right away in alternative asset classes but  have to set some aside for settling capital gains tax and depreciation recapture when filing taxes next year.

Let’s connect and potentially be future partners.So much material to cover.

You may want to read materials about "networking for a job":)

Below is a link that describes passive vs active vs material participation.

I would love your experiences because my alternative is to spend a ton of money on airdna data! 

Alternative Markets:If cash flow is your primary goal, consider looking at nearby markets with lower property prices and higher rent-to-price ratios.

However, it allows you to use the vacant rents of 75% market rent as an alternative income to help the borrower to qualify.Happy to connect and assist you in your real estate investing journey.

I just wanting to make sure he's not purposely overestimating material and then keeping it to use on other jobs.

I will spec materials/colors/repair method when I feel it needs to be done a certain way or I want something different/special.