I like good neighborhoods, with sloped tile roofs, stucco siding, built in the last 20 years. 90% of Las Vegas SMF checks none of these boxes. 

For me TX is over-built.

It saves me so much time in building those items myself.

You make the payments to the lender.Oh, and just in case, there are more items to know about when considering a "sub to" transaction but this is just a comment on the payment aspect. 

We own 2 properties in El Centro, CA:SFH 3/2.5 (built 2016) worth approx 650k.

Please note that contrary to common belief a lender can NOT prohibit a transfer, they could only declare such transfer a item that allows them to accelerate the note.Up until now, very few notes have been “called” due when title has transferred.  

It's the overarching reach to pull an entire thread that doesn't come from moderators that is my issue and that goes to the site's focus on new investors way more than experienced.Everything is built to attract revenue and that's smart business.

I haven't filed a claim all these years but insurance is for the what-if and to be used for the high-ticker items, but chances of damages exceeding the 5% is low.  

Will that get built and how long will they stay?

BP has built a great selection, all of them worth reading and that will help you build foundational knowledge.To answer this one: the words from old school investor Dolf De Roos "seldom sell" and you will find a lot of post on BP from people who regret selling properties in the past.