I work pretty closely with an insurance group now, but I would still be happy to connect to see how we can benefit each other down the road!

As an extreme example to prove my point, lets say you borrow $1 million on a property producing $10,000 in monthly gross rent with the following terms:conventional  residential- 4.5% for 30 years: monthly payment = $5067commercial 6.5% for 15 years: monthly payment = $8,711Keep in mind, this property, even in a modestly expensive state has taxes of 10% and insurance at 5%.

Our competitors aren't other syndicators, its other investment providers such as banks, brokerage firms, etc. 

Once you factor in taxes of $475/mo and insurance at $115/mo, your total monthly payments will be $1610 and that's before the other expenses that you mentioned.

Using a buying agent for large purchases isnt normal practice since the listing firms are seeking dual agency and wont co-op commissions.  

I am looking for recommendations for an insurance agent in the Independence, Mo. area that is familiar with buy and hold investing.  

I believe there is an online registry of sink hole homes, at least those with insurance claims.  

And, as much as HOA's can be a pain, they do keep an eye on things so if your tenants are doing something they shouldn't be you will likely find out about it, where in a SFR you may never find out.In general a lot of people don't like HOA's or CC&R's (I get it), or the possibility of unplanned special assessments (I get that too), but a certain percentage of the HOA dues you would have to pay in a SFR anyway (landscaping, painting, repairs and maintenance, insurance for the outside, pool/spa, gates, etc). 

Should I take the insurance before closing right?

I want to be able to write off the mortgage, insurance and property tax, can I do that by not being on the mortgage and just being on the title?