Over time your Tampa investment will start to cash flow.

I can check in with my local bank, but I don't want to waste their time when I'm not yet serious about doing a loan with them.   

I'd say start the process of securing your HELOC if you havn't done so and spend time analyzing deals and determining what type of investor you are looking to be. 

The time has come for me to start investing in real estate and before doing so i'm looking to build a strong and dedicated team of partners: agents, lenders, contractors and property managers mainly in the Cleveland area (but also open to markets within a 2-3 hr drive away) that already possess an excellent track record in their line of work and that value long term collaboration.

There comes a point where having a real estate-savvy tax preparer outweighs your time learning a new software. 

I have a guy who has been here since July, but I renew his short term stay for two weeks at a time, every two weeks.

We work with people in your shoes all the time. 

Aloha Joshua,  I deal with clouded/messy titles often and it's not my first choice as its froth with a lot of time, costs and risks. 

Time is money—choose someone who can execute efficiently without disrupting your revenue.8.

Next time just give 90 days notice.