He said that the insurance company gave him a discount because the materials are less susceptible to fire than common materials used like asphalt shingles and stucco.  

No doubt; both of my neighbors at my vacation house got "free" roofs from guys who roam around after any storm and document that whatever storm damaged their roof - despite the fact they both had 15+ year old 3 tab asphalt shingles in the central Florida sun. 

Licensed with permits ~$3,250.HWT standard gas single family low efficiency without exhaust retrofit $900.Sand and stain hardwood floors, natural stain $3 per sf.Paint interior walls, ceiling trim and doors 3 tone paint scheme 2 coats $3.20 per sf (floor area cost includes paint)Click lock LVT flooring install overlay inclusive of prep and quarter round $4.50 per sf (materials and labor)Asphalt roof installation 3/1 - 800 sf bungalow with 2 layers of shingles - ~$7,900Standard porch cap replacement with 2 new precast concrete steps ~$2,500Used stove or refrigerator delivery and install $350New stove or refrigerator delivery and install $HD model specificUse this as a general guideline. 

What asphalt integrity is like.

When I asked what repairs to expect on the property, she was outside and turned toward the driveway, pointing to the cracks in the asphalt, and indicated that the driveway would be repaired.

I came back to Ohio and started working for a construction company, and have been there since. (2017) Currently I manage an asphalt plant for them in Columbus.I haven't done a ton of real estate investing, but have a strong understanding of construction, and project management. 

As there is only a one lane asphalt driveway that goes between the building and the east property line the contractor will have to operate his heavy equipment there and will hurt tenant access and definitely damage the asphalt.

It would make more sense to build with concrete or block and have tile or metal roofs than standard stick built with asphalt shingles .

bump this up to 4 units no reason to only build 2. you could go vertical on top of this 2 more. switch to asphalt. save every penny you can where you can. we build triplexes in columbus ohio ground up and similar structure. mostly urban core where the numbers are the best 

After some research, I've come up with the following:- Blown-in insulation to fill the joists with hard-packed cellulose- Add asphalt panel board layer across the entire ceiling to the existing drywall and fill the cutouts. - Add a second layer of 5/8's drywall to the asphalt board.