Two years ago they were offering me a competitive rate however after one year they raised the rates quite a bit. 

Funny, I almost never see someone on BP say should I get insurance, or should I just run without insurance?

It’s a great way to rub shoulders with other real investors in your area that can offer lots of advice and guidance. 

And HOA insurance coverage is very minimal so if something does happen, HOA likely won't be able to pay for much.  

Based on my calculations and preliminary research, I have found that the Bay Area offers good returns from developing land, although acquiring level land and obtaining permits can be challenging.I have a few questions:1) Is it recommended to purchase a complete house plan from online sources like ePlans or similar websites and then customize the architectural design before submitting it to the municipality?

Then I started working with a realtor to view properties and made offers.

I had to go to zoning and spend thousands to get it legalized.Your situation seems as if it is zoned as a single family home, and it was split into 2 apartments with no building permits.He's selling the property because he has the wrong zoning, and is finding a bank or an investor who over looks the problems that will arise once they close.With the way things are with insurance, I wouldn't be surprised if your insurance company will not insure for two unitsgood luckGino

This might be a workable scenario for me.Lack of experience would not kill this deal for us but it would depend on a few things.Usually the biggest challenge for newer investors is in the amount of equity you have available to infuse into the project.You need to have a cash down payment to secure financing.With 25% Down you would be in a multiple financing offer situation where we're just fighting to get best deal possible and batting off Wholesale Account Execs left and right.

Because of my brutal impatience we just had an offer accepted for a 5 unit building with 2 store fronts and 3 apartments that all need to be gutted and renovated.

What services are offered to have a real address for mail and potentially mail forwarding.