My local Real Estate market (San Antonio)  is strong but I would like to protect myself from a downturn and I worry about hedging my bets with stock market investments that would also decrease in value if there were an economy-wide slowdown or recession.       

A secured debt is one in which you sign an instrument (such as a mortgage, deed of trust, or land contract) that: Makes your ownership in a qualified home security for payment of the debt,Provides, in case of default, that your home could satisfy the debt, andIs recorded or is otherwise perfected under any state or local law that applies.In other words, your mortgage is a secured debt if you put your home up as collateral to protect the interests of the lender.

They should not or do not provide rehab figures (to protect themselves).

I was planning on using an umbrella policy on top of all other insurance for some additional protection.

Interested in buying my first rental, but want to make sure I'm properly protected.

If I choose to invest how do I protect my investment and are is there information I need to know to protect myself?

Make sure the mortgage is drawn up by your lawyer to protect your interests when he dies.

However, I am unsure of how to put together a Wholesale purchase contract, such as  the important contract language to include, how to protect yourself in case the deal doesn't go as planned etc... 

I have the buyers sign and notarized an occupancy affidavit to protect myself from an owner-occupied claim down the road.  

That will help to protect you personally too in case legal action is filed on your business.