I essentially present to them my numbers of what I can redo the property for, and they loan me 80% of the ARV basically no questions asked except for an appraisal.

A sophisticated investor will also typically ask for the entire claimed track record and then run it through the wringer.

I was doing some research yesterday, a typical wildfire generates radiant heat of about 1,500F and with high winds can reach up to 2000F. 

Hey @Dalton Foote - I highly suggest  using a renovation loan and house hacking a multi-family if that is possible with your current life circumstances.The 203k and homestyle renovation loans are just amazing products and drastically help you reduce your risk, in my opinion, because you are able to leverage the cost of the entire renovation with such a low down payment loan.We work with a lot of clients who use these products in Chicago, and no matter what, in the long term, they gain great equity.If you aren't able to house hack - the process is essentially the same, but just with more money down with hard money or conventional construction loan.

Essentially the only people who CHOOSE to move in the winter months are getting evicted from other people’s houses.

Both properties have a substantial amount of equity that’s essentially sitting idle.Would it be a good idea to tap into this equity (through a HELOC, cash-out refinance, etc.) to fund future fix-and-flip projects or purchase additional rental properties?

Typically people think FHA because it's what's thought of as the least amount down which is commonly the goal when we all get started.

California is the only state that has essentially put a rent control type of restriction on home owner insurance premiums.

Typically, RS3 permits SFHs and two-flats, by right.

Understanding cash flow and expenses is essential.