My family actually have some properties in FL, and I have also researched this area quite a bit and I saw it might fit my strategies. 

Looking for in country contacts banks, agents, contractors, recommended areas, etc to prep for a productive visit.  

I think this question is dependent upon location.

i want to possibly use hard money this year to grow quicker   and can you use them for new builds  who should i use and  any tips?   

It isn't a big job but I don't want things to go south so I stay in it.Of course I practically live on this forum so I pass along any pertinent info I find as well as answer questions.

This looks like my Uncle Bob's house. 

The have interviews, tips, and tricks to getting started.

Visit the property and learn about various renovation stages, gain insights from our experienced investors / speaker, and learn strategies for evaluating deals, managing budgets, and maximizing ROI.What to expect:Property walkthroughsReview before photos and discuss transformation plansDive into real deal numbers—costs, profits, and challengesNetworking with industry prosOpen Q&A session to ask anything about the process

This should put them at ease.

While many out-of-state investors may purchase properties without an in-person visit, first-time buyers or those new to real estate are strongly advised to conduct a site visit.