We can provide you with the contact information for three exchange agents who are known for being easy to work with and highly knowledgeable.If there is an existing mortgage debt on the relinquished property, it's important to consider how it will be handled during the exchange.

Don't get me wrong, you could do fine in Redding, but you might get high-maintenance tenants - in a different way than students would be. 

With 5 units on 4 properties, it sounds like you're single family heavy buying highly distressed properties that take time to renovate. 

Yeah,  inventory is a little high at ~9000 homes for sale with a DOM of ~55 days and median price at $295K. 

Given our financial constraints at the time, we couldn't afford such a high sum for limited coverage.I'm told that the lapse in coverage for the few months between being dropped by our previous insurer and attempting to get a landlord/investment property policy will make if VERY difficult to get a policy.I'm not sure that my agent really has much experience in insuring investment properties/rental properties.I reached out to Arcana (now MSI, and they forwarded my a list of agents/reps that could work with me.My question is: Are there any other places I should be looking to obtain coverage?

We have a network of highly qualified and vetted subcontractors that we work with.

Most vacancy issues in stabilized multifamily is due to a stubborn owner holding out at too high of price.Vacancy is much more of a factor in retail and office where tenants aren't so easily or quickly replaceable.

You'll have higher out of pocket costs for inspections and appraisal on 5+ units, LTV typically doesn't go as high, many lenders require a 70%+ occupancy rate.

I have a high credit score and zero debt; I just don’t have the work history.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.