At the same time causing people to reduce consumption.

Right now the idea is to either buy SFH with cash or reduced debt, this may change as I go but I am willing to sacrifice some long term gains for more security, BUT like I said this may change to using more leverage down the road once I get a bigger portfolio established.

I have a post about it below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/61/topics/364937-reducing-flood-insurance-costs?

Then I tell them, if they see a FSBO sign in the yard of a house that they might want to buy, I will make the call and try to negotiate either owner financing, or a reduced price. 

It would reduce the rent that I could charge though.

Some contractors do not and will not want to take calls from end customers so the referalls you get are going to be to the higher priced contractors that carry heavy overhead.

Otherwise ask about reduce tag items..

The good thing is the SEV kind of reflected that although challenging my assessments helped reduce it even more.  

City of Milwaukee just reduced a ton of properties. (  EOY potential reductions )Hopefully their maybe a property or two you could stick inside of your stockingsGood luck with your investings

Many Realtors will suggest purchasing a property using a FHA Loan, to reduce your out of pocket money.