Your ultimate goal should not be the number of properties you have but the equity you have working for you. 

Ultimately what is the end goal? 

The best piece of advice would be to just jump in and take action; books and articles provide great ways to learn but ultimately hands on experience always works best so just start doing some wholesale deals

I'm an aspiring real estate investor with the ultimate goal to one day own an apartment complex and live my life with full financial freedom.   

The situation was ultimately resolved, though, I wished that RDU had started with a solution-oriented disposition which favored the resident experience.The first embers of deteriorating communication from RDU began about mid-2017.

There was a really dirty tenant below that was ultimately fined by the HOA. 

I have two managers (one in state, one out) that are my agents under law and both manage multiple properties with continuous input, regular oversight and ultimate final decision making authority from me. 

Compare this to your insurance deductible, which can be high near the coast and, as you mentioned, can be higher during a named storm.One wind claim during a catastrophic event should not cause your insurance premiums to go up, but if you have had multiple claims in the past 5 years, the frequency of your claims could cause an increase.The reason I do not advise you to call the insurance company first is that it will be entered as a claim on your policy, even if you ultimately do not receive any money from the company.I hope this helps. 

I survived and thrived during the recession.

So discounted real estate company will survive and be profitable to its share holders?