For instance, most states have promulgated rates (rates that are set by the state) for title insurance that tie to the purchase price or loan amount.

That being said, the appetite for multi-units is still very high and will remain competitive especially because inventory is so low. 

Condo sales throughout the island have also remained healthy. 

If you have remained interested in Real Estate, there are some good deals in this area.

Plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC and roof remain unknown at this time but the optimist in me thinks most of this was likely operational pre-flood having first hand experience with others who repaired post Harvey.

Keep in mind just needing to replace the roof one time within the next 10 years or so could wipe out whatever savings remains in your repair budget after paying for routine maintenance, leaking faucets, landscaping maintenance, snow removal etc... 

If you maintain ordered and timely communication between all involved parties, have excellent interpersonal skills, are business-minded and un-stubborn with eternal patience for customer interaction and able to remain calm and professional in any discussion environment, then you're a cut above most of the field.As far as growing into top-tier, decide what demographic that means in your community and break into it. 98% of my work is client referral and over the years I've moved past the "hungry" phase of doing anything for anyone, having my hourly be sliding scale, etc. and into being busy with work that I actually like doing and what I want to be doing.

Couldn’t I locate a cheap & vacant lot, form an LLC, and take out a massive business startup loan to purchase and develop the land and fund the up front cost of a property manager that will help make sure the building remains full of tenants?

However, in buildings that are already over that cap, the additional units can remain in operation.No short-term rentals will be allowed in most of the French Quarter or in the Garden District.Platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway will be required to remove illegal listings.Short-term rentals that violate the rules, including regulations about disturbing neighbors, can have their licenses revoked.An 8.45 percent tax and a $1 per-night fee are already assessed on short-term rentals.

Would likely go to an investor rather than a family if all things remain the same in 10-20 years.