Are they doing everything they can to expose properties to the widest possible market?

I would opt for propane.

The switch is a PITA and a notorious problem with other well owners down here because the switch is outside and exposed to the elements and fireants and frequently fail.

I got my own quote on insurance @ $2200 per year and it matched what he said, he says the taxes are $3300 per year and he pays for rent on the 2 propane tanks for gas to the units, tenants pay for gas, and he pays something like $50 a year for electricity to run the well pumps for water.

I'm looking for dense pack blown insulation for the front and rear walls, 2" closed cell foam for my basement w/ exposed joists and possibly doing the floor space between the garage and first floor (it's a 1950s airlite) and the attic. 

It's just poor design to have the side of any appliance exposed.

We never even thought we would have to replace the floors (there are multiple spots with deep gouges and what looks like carvings down into the exposed unstained wood underneath the top layer. 

This can leave you to exposed and if you get a "buyer" who doesn't close you damage your brand with the seller.

@Rick C.In the West Indies people usually remove their furniture from their properties and expose them in the sun.

You expose yourself to liability (if anything goes wrong) any time you let a tenant do anything significant regarding maintenance - or a minor renovation.