I live in Auburn Alabama and the market here is pretty crazy so I have been looking at surrounding cities like Montgomery and Birmingham that are bigger and more affordable.I know that the typical down payment someone’s needs for commercial is 25% so short of me getting seller financing, or a partner, or some other creative finance path my purchase power leads me towards properties that are typically in lower income areas- at least for the ones I’ve spotted. (200K ish) I’ve listened to pretty much every podcast multiple times and often hear people saying that when they begin they focus more on cash flow and as they grow they look more towards appreciation opportunities.

Currently have 3 vacancies and a duplex to be fully remodeled, which I will start next month.

I'm surprised they have any vacancy at all - in the other markets where I have these kinds of properties, we have 100% occupancy and a unit stays vacant for at MOST 2 months. 

There were other concerning items like a hardwired smoke alarm taken down, the new fridge handle that I had purchased ($60) was not on the fridge, and there was fallen paint and a large water stain on the kitchen ceiling (2 baths and wash/dryer above that area).

Unfortunately the bank loan market has become really tough, with the banks tightening restrictions, imposing difficult metrics to deal with and applying commercial rates and fees to my property.I've been able to get a basic commercial loan offer, not what I wanted, but what I could get.  1m loan, 5% fixed rate, 5 year term, 1.25% fees and legal up front, and a lot of paperwork and hurdles to overcome yet to ensure I actually get the loan approved.  

Compare this to your insurance deductible, which can be high near the coast and, as you mentioned, can be higher during a named storm.One wind claim during a catastrophic event should not cause your insurance premiums to go up, but if you have had multiple claims in the past 5 years, the frequency of your claims could cause an increase.The reason I do not advise you to call the insurance company first is that it will be entered as a claim on your policy, even if you ultimately do not receive any money from the company.I hope this helps. 

Maybe do a half bump the first year and a bump again the following year.  

So if I can handle repairs on 80 units and a full time job you can do one or the couple properties.

If you are planning on creating an business and a system / structure, part of your budget should be using your team and getting thing done correctly from the very beginning. 

And leverage BP by continueing to ask questions, and as you learn, begin answering questions of others.