I think almost any seller would be better off just listing their property on the market and would come out ahead financially as opposed to going through a wholesaler.So that is some 'bluntness' on wholesaling from my perspective.The other observation I have on the job itself is that it takes a lot of effort.

Landlord friendly and low property taxes combined with how close it is to CA it makes visiting properties and building a team easier. 

I'm here to share my experience and help guide you through your journey.The Tampa Bay area is ripe with opportunities, and with your background in business and the discipline from your Marine service, you're already ahead of the game.

A DIY way of starting your investigation is visit the building department and see if they have any records for the property on file.

Sounds like you may be getting a little ahead of yourself.  

I also recommend planning ahead for problems: unpaid rent, tenant breaking the lease, abandoned property, lease violations, etc.

One of the first things we say to them is that "We only want to buy if you want to sell" People are coming to us to solve their problem and they've decided well ahead of time that selling the home solves their issue.

Key here is to keep visiting open house.

I've also visited a site and deterred from offering because I won't do tear downs. 

Then visit all of those areas and walk the neighborhoods.