I found a property that is "residential use zoned commercial" and potentially can be used as a professional office.

The home is in the New Town (NT) zone of Columbia, MD.

Get out of your comfort zone.

Also, would you advise of stearing clear of any and all flood zones due to the outrageous flood insurance costs if looking to house hack?

I was originally looking at Indian rocks beach but have extended my search to Seminole (both zoned for STR).

Would you even consider a property in a flood zone in either area? 

Don't you think that is a potential red flag?

Even though Cape Coral is your preferred area, Lehigh is going to be able to offer many more benefits such as better returns, lower pricing, it's guaranteed not to be in a flood zone, and there's a better inventory selectionHistorically, appreciation between these two markets has been very similar.

Also, I am not sure how flood zones will be affected with the new insurance requirements.

Thanks Jorge build new don't buy new and don't buy existing. find your own land, entitle it, control the full process, get architects, zoning attorneys, roll your sleeves up it isn't easy but it's big money.