And not sure exactly what the expense per reservation you are being quoted for proper, but you could always just charge an extra fee to help cover the insurance cost.

A couple of things you could do: start saving for a downpayment and reserves (for maintenance/rehab), and find a good lender that can help guide you to the best loan product for your situation. 

(Duplex househack in North Jersey) I have 5% of the purchase price saved up + enough for closing costs, immediate repairs and reserves (roughly 5 months PITI).Since the market is so competitive right now I was considering getting funds gifted from a family member, to increase my down payment (an extra 10% to get to 15% combined down) so that my offer would be more competitive.

I say that because the market I'm most familiar with has performing properties for 60-100k, with 20% down you could be in a great place with reserves on a 60k property! 

In our experience, the #1 mistake landlords make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.

Same thing with the SFR investment do a Cash out refinance have the money "Liquid cash" reserves on hand to offer a more aggressive purchase power and a higher PITI reserve fund.

If you BRRRR you can go much faster and are only limited by your reserves that you can save up and seasoning periods. 

And who is paying the points and holding the reserves required to secure the loan?  

Signing this document confirms my choice. 

It's commonly recommended to have six months of PITI for reserves.