If your bottom line numbers on tax returns and W2 income are not strong however, this will be an abrupt dead end.

Hi Ken,After managing hundreds of properties and working with investors (many from out of state) for over 20 years, I’ve seen Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland, and Miami all work—but each has its own flavor.

If so are you marketing it at the price that you would after the Tenant's lease is up or at the same price as their lease is at?

Add another $300 or so for taxes and insurance and you're at $2465 PITI. 

We purchased a property with them with a light 45-day rehab and after 40 days all communication ceased.

You will have to pay higher personal income tax rate, versus waitingtill after one year for lower Capital gain tax rates.

I bought it last year and thus far have: 1) Appealed assessed value to bring down taxes, 2) Got better (less expensive) insurance, 2) Rehabbed 3/4 units, and 3) increased rents $300-$400 per unit along the way.

@Rebecca GonaBigger Pockets is a great place to find a tax accountant that specializes in short-term rentals. 

After the new home is built, I plan to sell our primary house.

After a rehab budget of $20k, We resold for $355k which was the highest recorded sale in the community EVER!