Loan approved! What's the best way to maximize its potential?

[Tanya Manning]

Finally our plan to use the equity in our home is upon us and we are very excited but unsure on how to move forward.  We are new to creative real estate investing and want to figure out the best way to make the most of this opportunity. Here is how I see our situation and would love to hear what you think.

Our residence is in Franklin NC and entails a total of 6 lots, 3 are in an adjacent subdivision and the 3 where are residence is are unrestricted. I have little info on this subdivision and intend to visit the county offices to try and get the CCandR's on it etc. so we know what we can and can't consider doing there. The main lot with our residence on it has a garage apartment we are setting up as an STR. We are considering putting 2 park models on one of the lots, and perhaps a setup for RV's on the third lot. All together they come to 8.8 acres.

Our other thought is would we be better to invest by using this money to buy another property or properties? Turn key vs BRRRR? Local vs long distance? My preference would be in STR's but we currently have an LTR in Deland Florida that we have owned for 30 years that I am also looking at renovating to increase rent. That property is on 2 acres and might have the potential to put another structure on it. Thirdly we have about 13 acres next to the Villages in Florida on Lake Deaton that is undeveloped. How do I find out what can be done with property? My biggest concern here is the environmental restrictions and how to find out what they are and what that means.

I am obviously new at this and going to my local REIA meeting later this month but am hoping that someone on this platform has some guidance to offer. Any and all I would truly appreciate.
1. What information should I secure/research from the county in regards to developing these 2 lots as mentioned, or the 2 properties in Fl? 

Basically what general steps does it take?

2. Would the money be better spent on finding or creating STR's by purchasing other existing homes? Would looking into turn-key be a good way to get started? I ask this because, like everywhere good contractors are hard to find and harder to get scheduled, at least any time soon.

3. Biggest question: If we take this money to put down payments on several other properties to grow our portfolio, how does that work? I  can't seem to understand the dynamics of doing this since we now have this large loan that would mitigate us from additional loans, as least in the conventional sense. This gap in my understanding is currently my largest mental block and I just can't seem to see past this. 

Thank you for your time