In general, you should expect that the combined amount of what the insurance paid you already and what they'll pay once you prove that you had the work done should be in the ballpark of what the repair costs...

Now wish I studied R.E. law in school. 

Is it normal for commercial lenders, particular alternative funding firms, to require a non refundable deposit for appraisals, inspections and multi phase studies?  

And how will you prove the losses?

The market is proving to be resilient here in terms of valuation.

First, tenants should be asked to prove their financial hardship – notice of a layoff, proof their income is from a temporarily closed bar or restaurant, etc.

What you are doing is a common mistake for many, many first-time real estate investors--you go around and around, collecting information, doing more research, learning about the market, studying any and every piece of information you can find, but you NEVER PULL THE TRIGGER.

If not, it will be very hard to prove how the fire got started.

I've heard six months latest depending on the situation.I've been trying to clear title now for more than a year.The owners before passed away, so my attorney has to "sue" the 10 children they had to prove they have no intrest in the property.

Large foreclosure waves proved costly to both cities and renters.