When insurers refuse to pay claims to replace entire roofs, the contractors sue them.While contractors and attorneys maintain they sue only when insurers refuse to pay legitimate claims in a timely manner, insurers contend that they are treated like ATMs by contractors, attorneys and, yes, homeowners willing to look the other way when promised free roofs, bathrooms or kitchens.But that leaves honest homeowners – who would never file an insurance claim except in an emergency – stuck with higher premiums and forced to replace good roofs.The number of lawsuits filed against the top 44 insurers in Florida has continued to spike – totaling 44,325 during the first six months of 2021 compared to about 30,000 during the same periods of each of the three previous years, according to data maintained by the state Department of Financial Services.For Florida consumers, “the outlook is bleak,” said Paul Handerhan, president of the consumer-focused Federal Association for Insurance Reform.

I'd keep cash for needed repairs, renovations, or emergencies that might come up....it'll take too long to pull from equity when you really need it.

Over the course of the day I had the fire chief, local inspector, emergency services, and structure repair guys from Serv pro tell me it was unsafe to enter and I can’t do anything until an engineer arrives.

I have about 100k readily available cash (TSP, IRAs not included), but fear that if I use 100k (or a part of it) as down payment on another property I will not have enough cash buffer in case on emergency in the event of vacancy, repairs, etc.

Figured out then that my wife and I needed to establish credit and save an emergency fund and enough funds for a down payment, plus closing costs if we wanted to own our own home in a decent area of RI.

We just have to give 24 hours notice before 'non-emergency' entries (no notice is required in an emergency).

The assistance  program is Emergency rental assistance program (CVERAP) phase II   https://njdca.onlinepha.com    Also would you recommend i seek legal advise and if so any recommendations in NJThanks

I can imagine you have a solid equity in that home so just know you have emergency funds you can access if it doesn’t rent right away.

One thing I never hear mentioned but I think is important is do you have an emergency fund?

The question is simple: do you have an emergency savings fund to cover mortgage and expenses should your tenant not pay?