Again, I do not want buying the multi-family home to block me from accessing lending for the second home when I move.- Does anyone see any flaws or can offer some improvements/considerations to the financing strategy of this plan? 

This will be reason #6272 of why I won’t buy in NJ 

Your investment property - This you could do a 1031 exchange on and buy another property you intend to use for investment. 

My goal is to convert at least 1/4 of the units in a multifamily I buy into medium term furnished rentals (gradually) to bring in more cash flow.

I have helped a lot of first time investors learn the process and successfully buy their first investment property. 

If it is, it's super easy to show so it's not as much hassle for the buying or selling agent. 

Financing seems to be tricky with IRA hence feel that its best to buy with self funding fully.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

If it's posted in Florida MLS, it's available in all online sites and people who are looking to buy property in your area can find your listings. 

There will be multiple markets you can achieve a 7.5% cap rate especially if you're buying with cash.