House fire at rental property, what are my options?

Hello all, sorry in advance for the long post. TLDR: rental property had a fire, how do I handle the situation moving forward? Should I x/post this elsewhere?

Bad news, I currently own 5 rental properties and one of them had a house fire a few nights ago. All the tenants escaped okay, but one needed stitches from cutting her arm jumping out window. They also all have stable places to live, which is good as my house is uninhabitable at the moment. Fire fighters did a great job salvaging the bones of the house but fire gutted a ton of the interior and some exterior. Damage is extensive. All houses under same LLC.

I don't know where to go from here or if I have any better options than the scenario below:

House is insured for purchase price of $200k. This was a very stupid move in hindsight because it will likely cost much more to rebuild. I never expected a fire. I will increase all the insured amounts for the other properties. The insurance adjuster was there the next morning and I'm expecting to hear from him soon. He said he will figure out a rebuilt cost, then depreciate that figure to give me an amount they are willing to pay. He then said if the rebuild cost goes over said depreciated amount, we can use up to the fully insured amount of 200k. Can somebody eli5 that process for me? The house also has a mortgage with about 140k left to pay. My understanding is the insurance check will be made to myself and the mortgage company, but not all at once. I will then need to get the money from them to start the rebuild?

I am nervous about how this entire situation will play out. I have lost rent coverage for 12 months that will pay the mortgage. Will I get small amounts from the insurance company over time and need to submit work orders or job bids to release more? What about when the rebuild costs exceed whatever figure they originally give me? Is it difficult to get the additional amount up to the $200k?

My fear is that this rebuild will cost 350k and I flat out can't afford it. What are my options then? I am also getting solicitation calls from companies claiming they'll fight the insurance companies for me as my own public adjuster. This seems unnecessary to me (especially for the 10% fee they charge), but just wanted to confirm that with this sub.

Any help in this matter will be extremely appreciated. I'm sure I'm forgetting many vital details in this post, just a lot to wrap my head around at this time. Other things to consider: I have a property manager, and live out of state but have family in the area. I would hope my burden on family is as minimal as possible but they would do a favor or two if needed.

Posted May 15, 2016, 8:33 PM UTC

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