I am new to real estate investing and still learning, so any advice, related or unrelated to this would be extremely appreciated!

The HOA covers all the exterior.What was the outcome?

Insurance would cover it, I would pay the deductible, and no assets would be lost.If you are in an area like San Diego where people are more likely to sue, a judge is more likely to find you guilty, and the payout is expected to be higher, you may consider an umbrella insurance policy.

Insurance doesn't cover anything anymore and we can almost just pay for all damages with the money we spend on it! 

I did the math and could cover the mortgage solo if needed.

That covers the down payment for the purchase, the rehab, and the $18,000 for reserves for the account, and $5,000 for me for each property for the time and work involved.

I bought my first house when I was 24 and now have 5 relatively small properties in Michigan!

This amounts to lost opportunity because if you had purchased RE, at the closing it can start producing return. 5) ADUs detract from the existing structure whether this is privacy, a garage, or just yard space. 6) this is related to number 1, but there are many more buyers looking to purchase homes for their family than there are RE investors looking to purchase small unit count properties.

The property can just about cover the refi in year one.  

At $2450, it will cover those expenses.