Rates keep changing and have filed a couple of claims over the years only to get denied.

I'm involved with buying the first rental property for our daughter.

If it is in fact your property taxes, you might want to talk to a property tax consultant in the area that can file a protest for you.  

Remember that title insurance involves multiple parties.

Most conventional wisdom/lessons learned are to the tune of not over leveraging, and any discussion involving >80% LTV seems to create a sense of nervousness (I am making a generalization here).

We haven't designed the houses yet, but I'm estimating 1,600-1,800 sq ft.I guess what I'm having the hardest time estimating is the assorted fees involved.  

I know you can gross more by using Air BNB, but how much more can you NET and how much more of your time is involved. 

Until we can get a down payment together I'm working toward getting my real estate license so I can get involved in the industry in my off time from the day job. 

Some of the major rehab involves Siding, portion of roof, new sidewalk, splitting electric (new panel boxes and meters), heating (new furnaces and re laying of duct work), water (new water heaters), portion of broken sewer pipe replacement, replace electric wiring to 2 units, new kitchen, bath, flooring, windows, doors (interior and exterior) in all units. 

I have not had to file a claim yet though.