@Dennis Rootes I also want to add that in Houston you’ll have flooding issues potentially but also in other parts of Texas you get a lot of hail and increased flood damage that makes your insurance more expensive.Just FYI 

What do other investors do to minimize the damage of inflation to their money?

Insurance claim on property restored roofing and all other damages associated with tree fall.

Carpet will be replaced in any room with smoke damage.- If that doesnt work, then seal and paint for odor control.I would deal the same way with an apartment after a smoker.

As I'm driving for dollars I come across plenty of fire damaged properties , how should I go about estimating rehab cost?

Once they get the court date notice I offer the full deposit back which is usually no big loss,  maybe $300 in damages.  

Your inspector can tell you if your roof needs to be replaced, get in the crawl space and inspect the foundation/piers for damage or water issues. 

If guilty, you will be ordered to pay damages, and the maximum first offense penalty is $16,000 plus attorney's fees and court costs.

Cutting into pre-tensioned slabs is doable, but usually requires an x-ray or ultrasound inspection to find the cables to ensure they aren’t damaged.

Heat gun can damage the wood.