I would like to put the money into purchasing another investment property.

I am in Tampa Florida so the investment market is huge here for both as well. 

Every decent area for investing in str's has competition. 

I updated the bathroom/porch in the spring, and am finishing construction on a 2-stall garage (the previous garage was basically a large shed that I could not fit much in).Moving forward I am considering one of the following options to put my money and build equity:1.

If you have enough money but your business is the main driver of income in most cases you can make more money putting time into the business.You could also get creative here.

I've always been interested in finance but housing had always been a rather boring investment.

Other than location I would clarify your investment thesis: "turnkey" vs value add?

As you may have found in your search, there are lenders that will lend up to 80% of the appraised value on investment properties and don't require an appraisal.Let me know if you'd like me to point you in the right direction.I have not; I'm still working on acquiring my next house hack, but when I need it, I'll probably use a combo of hard money and margin loan.

Congrats on this investment @Kai'ler Sato ! 

Could be a fun investment!