Total Loss Claim - SFH

[John Li]

I purchased a SFH located in KC, MO back in 2015 for 75k. The home was built in 1953. Earlier this month there was a fire (no personal injury) that resulted in a total loss of the property. Replacement value was 75k; the insurance company (Aegis) after factoring in depreciation determined the actual cash value to be 51k and will cut a check for that amount.

There's a 45k mortgage on it and with costs to clear the lot I'm essentially out the 20% down payment and taking a loss on the property.

At this point would it be worth it to bring in a Public Adjuster to go back and forth with the ins. co.? Am I likely to get much more from them?

I have 3 other similar properties, how do I improve my game so that if this were to happen again I'm not out my entire investment?

Looking for any insights (good and bad) or advice, thanks in advance BP!