This reminds me why I'm so glad I sold my house in Seattle and later, the one on the Hood Canal. It's a lot of work to take care of a house - as a single guy who isn't rich (and probably for a single woman, too, especially with kids). I don't know how people do it. I have had to sell two homes because I couldn't afford the stress and/or expense!
I like renting - never thought I'd say that, but the thing I hated most about ownership were the constant repairs, the utility bills (which are pretty good in Mexico, I've heard, save electricity) and insurance.
I highly DO NOT RECOMMEND Qbe/Unigard. Don't know if they're down there, but they are the worst, up here. Pemco was good.
I want someone else to think of everything else....I'm tired of being hyper-responsible.