Birth Rate: The birth rate in Italy has been steadily decreasing.

Of course I can increase deductibles or otherwise decrease coverage, but that is only putting off the inevitable expensive insurance claim.

Usually if it’s a revaluation where the whole town goes up in value you see the tax rate decrease and taxes stay the same or go up a little like yours did.

Buying in an area with decreasing demand or property values. 

Better to concentrate on decreasing expenses and saving for now. 

Good renovations done at purchase should decrease repair and vacancy cost. 

A lot of 'off-grid' places are not, which will lower their value and resale ability.Also, you are decreasing your potential market by choosing a venture like this..not everyone will find composting toilets as cool as you and I might.Having said that, I think it could be a great find, if it check all the the boxes.

Yes  I think the best move here is to asses your total monthly debt and see if a cash out refi will help decrease the total interest and monthly debt obligation.

I would also try to minimize expenses through decreasing cleaning costs, installing smart tech like a thermostat to control utility costs, etc.5.

Should we refinance now if rates decrease even just slightly so we pay a lower monthly while we see through these repairs, then once repairs are complete have home reappraised and take out this equity to buy next property where we would live while renting out our current home?