Be sure to Calculate your Returns and make sure they are numbers you're happy with.And you might also check the trends in land value over time in the neighborhood.

And 36 Other Key Financial Measures http://amzn.to/Zv0Zph Frank also has another book called '10 Commandments for Real Estate Investors' that I reread every other month or so as a reminder: http://amzn.to/15ikXL0Ken McElroy has two great books on apartment investments and one on property management: The ABCs of Real Estate Investing: The Secrets of Finding Hidden Profits Most Investors Miss http://amzn.to/HdXVf1The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing: How to Identify the Hottest Markets and Secure the Best Deals http://amzn.to/1bcWx50The ABC's of Property Management: What You Need to Know to Maximize Your Money Now http://amzn.to/1d518JK Also see Ken's BP interview on Podcast 052: Buying Apartment Complexes, etc. here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/09/bp-podcast-052-raising-millions-ken-mcelroy-rich-dad/There's many more, let me know if you'd like to see more.

I'm curious why this trend is beginning to occur.Why are more lenders requesting insurable value?

This town is not like most of the rest of the Midwest - but of course, you are in California, so more local trends are probably less easy to spot.  

Or you can look at news stories for trends.

It's at a peak within 12 to 24 months...so I would look at other markets...Also, I would suggest doing you're own market research (population/job growth, trends, etc.) instead of asking other investors opinion. 

Here is a map showing growth trends of major cities.

I heard the trend for paid off homes in Florida is to go self insured.

cool take JonI grew up in top tier and pleasantville hoods.I work in a laptop and lattes hood.I rent to traditionalist crowd/hood.I live in a trend setters hood.Actually pretty accurate.thanks,matt

Skills - I know how to manage people and projects, I understand budgets and repair costs, I am very resourceful, I understand markets and trends, I am a designer and know what buyers are looking for to get top dollar.