These help me weather a storm with low STR occupancy numbers like many are facing across the country.Higher insurance rates, STR permit fees, labor costs for repairs and cleaning, regime fees (for condos) make running a profitable STR even more difficult.  

I lived in LA for 17 years and miss it like the dickens (except for the weather!!)

Although this is probably less likely than the water leaking in through the window wells, it is possible, and you'll want to eliminate it as a cause of the flooding before deciding on how to fix the issue, because if it's groundwater, then the solution to the problem may be completely different than if it's water coming from other sources.As you consider these questions, keep in mind that water follows the path of least resistance--for example, water will flow through a gravel-filled trench much quicker than through solid earth/clay.

The resistance is those territory owners of the "old guard" who have literally everything to loose.

We reinvest it all back through renovations, acquiring additional properties, or accelerating mortgage payments.We keep minimum 6 month reserves to weather storms.

It all comes down to what the investor's goals are, and what is the pathway of least resistance to get started! 

Keep in mind you can also tweak some of the coverage amounts they send you, and you can sometimes get discounts for certain things like weather resistant windows, security features, fire alarm, etc. 

With time, your credit position will improve significantly, and with capital in reserve you will be in a much better position to weather any “hiccups” that occur in the future. 

Also, since you rely on this income, you likely aren't prepared to weather VERY negative situations such that they could have a significant personal impact on your own personal financial situation. 3.

@Pradeep Prabakar Ravindran I hope you don't mind cold weather. it's in the 30s right now here in Maryland