That typically won’t be GC’s.....more handymen/jack of all trades type guys.

You  CAN borrow non-recourse funds (there is a list that float around here of providers for those) that typically require 35-50% down payment.

Then as far as the residential space goes, your first year typically consists of working your "sphere".

GENERAL INFOThe property is:1) Out of state2) A single family buy and hold rental3) In good condition4) Occupied by a tenant5) My first investment propertyThe quotes are from:1) An insurance broker in my home state (CA) who typically uses Safeco2) An insurance broker in the property’s state (Ohio) who quoted Berkshire Hathaway Guard3) One of the big name insurance companies, located in the property’s state (Ohio)Any questions (replacement cost vs actual cash value, etc) I should be aware of and asking?

Is there typically a rule of them for these things?

My advice would be to NEVER go without liability coverage.Also, typically speaking, the cost to add premises liability coverage is usually pretty low.

The formula for analyzing comps for an accurate house value is a discussion in itself.I know it's tempting to use those sites because investors typically get held up trying to get a realtor to run their comps.

Typically, utility liens will suvive, county/state liens may, and of course back taxes always survive.  

That could open the door for owner financing but owners typically want 20% down at least. 

Essentially waiting 9 months would just give me more of a financial cushion to start with.