I understand that means paying the right professional for their services. 

And if they are a hobbyist/part-time builder, then they should engage the proper professionals, i.e. a title officer, civil engineer, architect, contractor et al to assist in reviewing the project's feasibility.

Is this something I should hire a lawyer/other professional for or can I just do it myself? 

Work Quality:I hired professionals to inspect the work, and they found multiple issues and evidence of negligence in the construction.

It’s worth a look see, just do your homework up front before hiring the other professionals to make this happen.Good luck

Versus professionals drumming up business.  

Take this time to make sure you have professional photos of the unit taken.

Some more options for investors facing similar problems with Beattie, Blacktip, or other builders:1) Contact a real estate attorney to advise you on your options.2) File a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) (more info: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/file-a-complaint/)3) File a complaint with the Attorney General for the State of Florida (more info: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/how-to-contact-us/file-a-complaint)4) For filing a small claim (under $8,000) in Lee County Civil Court (more info: https://www.leeclerk.org/departments/courts/small-claims)5) Contact WINK News with your story.

It was a gut punch to see the tenants whose income we were counting on mass exodus the building right after we closed Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Do you have the professionals you need to start an LLC, do the proper real estate/tax accounting, solid contractors to rehab or prepare the property, and a property manager to handle the day-to-day operations?