When I want something completed in a hurry I get permits and as much of the materials as reasonable stored nearby and make sure of contractor schedules, and don't rely on people you have not used before.

have enough money put away in reserves, when it rains it will pour, well at least for me

Just drove by the property today and one unit has a broken window and a mattress stored out back.

It takes a lot of sweat to keep some money in your pocket, a lot of experience typically only gained through pain to know what to look for, and a large pile of reserves that you're sitting on, not making $$$ with.

I have seen it done with 12-24 months worth of commission history, If there are positive contributing factors like large reserves, and good credit scores.  

In conditions such as those we face today, fulfilling redemption requests would require us to either substantially deplete vital cash reserves, or, even worse, potentially sell assets into a down market, likely at a price far below actual value.

But some general rules of thumb I look for: it needs to cash flow when accounting for PITI, repairs, maintenance and vacancy reserves, AND a standard management fee, typically around 8-10% cash on cash not including potential appreciation. 

Another big step to take prior to buying properties is ensuring you have a reserve account established.   

The 'airforce reserve' gal had all the chores down on a chart & ran a strict ship so to speak.

Assuming you have cash-flow and build reserves for EACH property I'd choose the higher deductible every time (unless the property has lots of deferred maintenance).