When vetting contractors, check if they’re licensed and insured, ask for at least 3 references and call them, and get detailed written estimates and timelines.

We know that investing in real estate means building a business that incorporates the right investment strategy, tax & legal plan, financing, retirement planning, insurance & estate planning. 

Insurance costs have been crushing cashflow on a lot of rentals as well - I've seen HOI quotes on $200k-300k houses come in as much as $200.00/month over expectations.

Insurance cost for weather-related disasters is growing to a major concern in many of the southern markets.

Yes, you can deduct related expenses including gas, loan interest, insurance, etc. using the actual vehicle expenses method to deduct auto expenses for your rental or other businesses. 

I'm unsure if I would use property management at this point, and there would be some insurance.  

Anyone speaking in "sure-thing / simple" terms, I call BS. 

Prices are through the roof, Insurance cost have skyrocketed, maintenance cost are up a lot, taxes.

Property owners get an annual update on their SEV & Taxable Values with their city property tax bill, typically sent in December.So now, the city assessor tracks the SEV, but homeowners are taxed based upon the capped Taxable Value.

It’s also worth verifying if Beaumont and Port Arthur have any specific contractor registration or insurance requirements, as local compliance can sometimes impact project timelines.