I'll probably just do a conventional or standard FHA loan and do the rehab myself for my first property.

I know 6% is standard, less if one can negotiate.

If your standard of living requires spending 750k to 850k on your next house, then stay and get a heloc to use that equity for investing. 

For flipping, the 70% rule is a good standard.

Construction should be about 5-6 months for a standard basic buildout.

In regards to the actual policy, I like to keep my deductible up around $5K since I will only use it for big items this helps keep my premium down, I also like to get as close to $1 million in liability coverage as possible.

@Steven Dreyer you can also start to think about your property standards.

You can still deduct car loan interest provided you deduct only that portion related to business use of the vehicle.

The most current pay standards for Birmingham are located on the website for the Housing Authority. 

I want to run this person's advertisement on a local facebook page by some experienced tax professionals:"If you know any home owners who had hurricane and flood damage, let them know there is a special tax deduction for fair market value loss, and their 2016 income tax return can be redone now for an additional check that can be received in as little as 6 weeks from now.