However, I did include 10% repairs in my calculations.I really need to check as my first real estate deal 10 years ago was a catastrophic failure( basically fault of my own for not checking facts and trusting realtor with numbers and rents), so I am kind a nervous and frankly bit scared for this one.any thought good or bad?

The answer is a bronze service with catastrophic coverage and dump dental and vision.

Owning real estate is more expensive and prone to catastrophic failure than owning dividend stocks hands down in my experience. 

Be across multiple areas so that if one area has economic troubles or catastrophic changes you have properties in other places doing well.

However, if anything else catastrophic happened down the line I would absolutely need the option of the modification, so I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my chances in getting a modification.

If as an investor, I would NOT choose to rebuild if something catastrophic (tornado, fire, etc) happened to one of my properties, why not carry ACV instead of RCV insurance. 

Over insuring the property is a strategy, but I think it is never enough in case of a catastrophic event.Good Luck.

Caleb keep in mind those really cheap insurance policies are not that robust.. were they fall down is when you have a claim. you do get what U pay for. and unless your experienced filing insurance claims you dont realize it until your in the middle of it.and keep in mind sellers of homes always quote the lowest insurance that can be bought to make proforma's look the best they can.So in the Paradise fire in CA.. ( granted catastrophic) a few of the smaller ( read cheap) companies have already BK d and will not be paying any claims.. no money.. those with the nationals are fine. 

In case a house does sink somewhat (not catastrophic) , does strengthening the building with pipes and cement help enough to prevent further sinking ?

From that you get marked down from your 100 percent by expenses, vacancy, delinquents, evictions, catastrophes, etc.