Now we're seeing major disasters in densely populated areas and insurance companies can't maintain their profit margins.

And yes, you are still responsible for wiring earnest money to the closing attorney/title company when you put the property under contract.

Call some local HVAC/Mechanical companies and ask what the average cost would be for this upgrade! 

You can use the Bigger Pockets management finder tool to look up MTR management companies in the area and then I have a few recs I can provide if you are interested.Shoot me a message if you would like to discuss further and I can help you strategize to make sure you make the best decision possible!

Water meter-water company.  

In those cases, the title company guided us on the necessary steps to resolve the title issues, and we did whatever was required to close the deal.

Quote from @Brandon Blackmon: @Bruce Woodruff 100% the answer I'm looking.... a solid GC, has a 20-25% markup to I would for sure know going into this that these are private companies and they can set their own fees. 

@Jason Brown - I'm a CT based investor, flipper, and property management company owner.  

However, the average lifespan of companies is 10 to 18 years, so every private-sector job your tenants have will eventually disappear.

Very different from a typical insurance company.