I hear risk mitigation and taxes often....from what I understand (but could be wrong) pass through entities like LLCs don't impact taxes all that much and a good insurance policy is much better on the risk management front than an LLC that may or may not be ran properly.

Be sure to let your insurance know you have that installed so they can reduce your premium. 

A few things that jump out at me, in addition to @Don Konipol Comments…-$1,500/yr for insurance on 8 houses (less than $200 each)?

Property Insurance? 

That strategy lets you make chunks of cash on each flip, which also gives you cash to buy your next flip, and then eventually you have enough money to buy a long term hold you can rent out for more passive income than flips.  

I actually am a huge fan of the hybrid MTR/STR strategy here in Austin

Engaging with others can provide new perspectives and strategies that you might not have considered.Remember, the key to thriving in real estate is continuous learning and building a strong network.

I've been told that the law requires insurance companies to give  90 days written notice of non-renewal, but if I never received it by US mail from them, do I have a good case that they are out of compliance with that law and need to allow me to switch agents and renew?

The other strategy that I would suggest in Saint Louis is mid term rentals near Barnes' campus.

If your goal is flipping esp, this is what the program is centered around (but all the other exit strategies as well).