"Windfall" in Florida

[Cody Bunch]

I've recently (in the last year or two) come into a multi-family unit out of state. As you can imagine, getting up and running as been a challenge. At this point we've got our heads around the expenses and incomes, however, I have a number of questions about doing business in South Florida.

Things like:

- Are there reliable contractors down there? Our experiences have been... lackluster.
- What are the landlord / tenant rules?
- If there is no written copy of the lease, how does one handle pre-existing tenants?
- What is generally included in a lease? That is, we are currently paying the water bill for the tenant, however, we are metered separately.

Additionally, we're looking for a property manager. We use Birdy in San Antonio, and would like someone just as professional in S. Florida.

Thanks in advance!

-C