Remember, if you're planning to hold long-term, the new construction will eventually not be new construction any longer, so I wouldn't pay a premium if the numbers aren't solid.Of course, if a long-term hold isn't your exit strategy, that could change things...

It's a vibrant neighborhood, and houses immediately facing the park tend to command a premium, especially if there is off-street parking.

Nice condos in good areas bring a little premium.

My friend got into the 2 family home (yes, an older property) as an owner occupied, but because of the adjacent university, has never had a problem renting out the other unit, and actually rents at a premium because of the demand.  

At one property the oil costs were $4,700 a year, and after the gas conversion were $1,500 a year.Insurance coverage & deductibles:  By tweaking the coverage and deductibles you can potentially lower the insurance premiums. 

Im looking to insure a home for $100k and the premium is $380/yr, $470 if you want to include vandalism.  

I would move on the pumps & fans before they become scarce.Keep all your receipts as it may be designated as a disaster area & FEMA may reimburse some of your expenses.the only consolation is waterfront property rents are at a premium :)

Total premium is 1027, and seems to be the cheapest from the 10+ insurance brokers and companies I called, for this amount of coverage under a replacement cost policy.What do you think?

Keep in mind, that just because it's brand new construction doesn't mean that it's going to get the same premium that a new construction home in a development of similar homes would get.  

Plus you've got the $5K from the buyer.You should be able to rent it out at a 10% premium over most rentals since it is gorgeously remodeled.