As a result, we place a lot of focus on customer service (investor relations), communication and reporting. 

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.

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?

I have had 3 specific investor CRM's referred to me for keeping contact with leads as they come in:REI BlackbookInvestor CarrotLead PropellerI'm curious if anyone has had experience with one or the other of these.  Or...

A title company can do the title search and issue a title insurance policy for the property. 

This would give you a great tool for your balance sheet as well as help with other accounting issues, and Is much faster.Personally, I think the best thing is a blend of Quickbooks and other “custom” reports.