All the hard money lenders I've worked with in the past (and the one I currently work for) deem an appraisal necessary for risk management purposes to insure AIV and ARV estimates are good.Curious how you'd manage risk without one? 

I don't think it should matter if the deal is seller financed, cash, or hard money; the title search and insurance process should be the same.

Lastly, make sure your tenants have renters insurance to cover their property.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks for this area dealing with the insanely high property tax and insurance rates?

Home warranties are basically like insurance for the house systems and appliances.

You can - 1) establish a trust for asset protection, 2) utilize the Homestead Exemption for property protection, 3) consider tenancy by the entirety for marital property (this might just be applicable to California, my home state)4) make sure you have adequate liability insurance for additional protection, 5) think about forming a business entity to shield assets, 6) and have proper estate planning for asset distribution.Seek tax and legal advice from experts in your state.

It's near impossible to cash flow when most homes are selling for above $750K, Taxes and Insurance added in the PITI payment is higher than the rents.You can buy a Duplex 2 unit for example in either FL, IN, or OH and not pay more than $200K the rents are typically $1200-$1500 a door.

I believe that if the non-signing spouse had an interest in the property burdened by the easement, then the easement interest is not insurable. 

If the PM screwed up your insurance claim, why did you continue working with them?

Well, once I started the process of buying I was quickly introduced to the importance of title insurance.