I think it’s a great option.

I think this is a modest goal, in this day and age. 

If some of you think now is an awful time to do this (re: interest rates) I'm open to being told to wait as well.

I think you need a bit more information/clarity around what you are looking to accomplish.What ARV are you thinking? 

If you run into challenges, call a different independent insurance broker - they usually rep numerous companies and I think you will find a solution.  

Bob is right that you can get better cash flow on the east side, but I still see deals pop up over there from time to time and I don't see any rapid depreciation in those neighborhoods coming any time soon and I think if your strategy is to buy and hold in nicer areas with less risk, it's a very good area to target.

Think you may need a handyman, agent, loan officer, real estate attorney, real estate inspector....  

If some of you think now is an awful time to do this (re: interest rates) I'm open to being told to wait as well.

I would think anywhere inland will be much more affordable.

To be honest, I think we may just need to bear the costs and learn from this and do regular unit checks going forward (which was not done by the previous property management company).