As far as whether to rent or buy, it depends on your personal situation, though as it's a new area it may be a good idea to rent for the first year while you decide where you'd eventually like to purchase.

So, while money is tight I thought it would be a good idea to purchase home warranties for our 3 homes (10 individual units in total because of attached granny units and subdividing).  

My per year limit may be off, but the idea is what I'm trying to convey.  

Open to any other creative ideas to get us out of this mess.

Is this a good idea I should continue pursuing or are there better options? 

I have some ideas, but I'm curious to see if there is already a strategy for this problem.  

@Katie Miller great topic!

We've batted around ideas by raising gradually - in two parts, 1 soon and 1 6-9 months later, and letting them know that and starting with increases soon on some people and in March on others.

Reach out if you want to bounce ideas off of someone. 

I’m an architect so I have a good idea about design and managing construction.