When it comes to contractors, or any service for that matter, it pays to remember the following:There are three kinds of service--you can pick any two:GOOD - CHEAP - FAST1. 

Their pricing decision will be influenced by all kinds of crazy things and in this market, is higher than what you can pay as an investor.

Is it because you makes lots of money and want to invest the money into a relatively secure asset that will appreciate, pays you dividend and provide tax benefit?

So I understand correctly you want to take a piece of land and develop it with mhp infrastructure (water, power, sewer and roads) then build tiny homes to sell to tenants who will then pay you lot space rent for the home. 

Just wondering if that is the only way to sell a property and not have to pay any depreciation recapture.

They pay the rent on time, every time, don't damage the house and don't cause any problems.

Insurance would cover it, I would pay the deductible, and no assets would be lost.If you are in an area like San Diego where people are more likely to sue, a judge is more likely to find you guilty, and the payout is expected to be higher, you may consider an umbrella insurance policy.

None of us own the home, we just pay the rental company.

If a put a down payment on a home and begin renting it out, is it okay if the property just pays for itself and I don't make any positive cashflow?

While you are at it, learn how to manage your properties well because a large percentage of investors lose tons of money through rookie mistakes with non-paying tenants, unscrupulous contractors, long vacancies, etc.