The benefit to buying cash and refinancing later is that you can close on a property quickly, which works in your favor in competitive markets.

You post makes me want to remind everyone that florida isn't an easy market to enter short term rentals.

@Jim LynchSome typical minimum tenant screening requirements look like the following, but it depends on your market:-Renter has a gross monthly income of 3x more than the monthly rent-Minimum credit score of 650-Renter must have no prior evictions-No felons (or other notable criminal history)There are a number of different tenant screening softwares out there such as Zillow Rental Manager, TransUnion SmartMove, etc.Be sure to complete an employment verification by contacting the renter's employer and confirm the details they shared with you, landlord verification (if they have a previous landlord), credit check, and background check.

I think you have the basics of meeting partners and people to work with in your local market and seem to be well on the way with two deals going already so big congrats there!

Unless you have $5 - 10k MONTHLY to spend on marketing this is what you need to do to have any chance for success with wholesaling.  

The best way to learn the multifamily market is to purchase a multifamily property.

.: Does anyone have any information about the short term rental market in Kyle Texas?

Plenty of investors work the Atlanta market but the ROI is better in Huntsville and Atlanta is tenant friendly.

Any recommendations for free tools to do market research?

The recent undersupply has created serious affordability challenges.This data confirms what many of us already feel in the market: we need more housing.