I have also gotten leads on distressed properties by offering a $100 finders fee to people who are regularly driving areas such as the postal carriers.

If your neighborhood is that dangerous where a listing will increase the likelihood of criminal activity would definitely be a red flag to me. 

Another red flag. 

From every source I’ve read, no more than 30% is necessary as down payment and anything more is a read flag.

Carol,See if your insurance agent/carrier can add your names as an Additional Named Insured or Additional Insured to your policy to suffice the lender. 

Nathan,In my opinion, no matter the agent or carrier, an investor should really be looking for a commercial special form policy or a DP-3 special form policy. 

We have some carriers that will only do it based on the maximum number of weeks (ie. 8 weeks a year). 

Chris,I would recommend contacting an Independent agent (one that represents multiple carriers) that writes commercial Insurance.  

However, if there was negligence on behalf of your neighbor in maintaining that tree, then your carrier would still likely pay the claim and then look to subrogate against your neighbor’s insurance carrier.

I've had them flag minor things like peeling paint, a range hood fan not working and even some fence boards but I've also seen other appraisers completely ignore the small stuff.