A young population plus a growing industry makes for good long term investments, but unless you are really scaling the cashflow can be hit or miss. 

If I scale to a point where I no longer have time and have to outsource, that line item is already accounted for and the property will still be profitable.  

In terms of scaling to three to four multi-family properties, you could really start using the equity that you do have to your advantage. 

While I am skeptical of the wholesaling profession's prospects for any but high net worth, large scale real estate operators, I could see the odd agent wholesaling a small handful of deals.

This is a bit more involved, but as you scale, it is something you should consider.In response to your second question, I would say "yes" to allowing pets.

I won’t try to tell you what to do other than if there’s certain properties that just consume way more energy you might consider 1031ing them into slightly larger properties where you could get better economies of scale for your time and expenses.

Detroit has been great for cash flow, but now I’m looking at how I can scale up.

A private lender is optimal (so you don't have to use all of your cash and can scale easier if desired) because you may not have to jump through as many hoops.

Pretty,  as others have stated here, the permitting process through the City of Cape Coral has been hindered by their ability to scale up their staff to handle the massive demands for all permitting including new construction but also anything else that requires a permit, home improvements, sea walls, alternative sea walls, pools and more.From your post, I can see that you are frustrated, and I believe some of that is due to not understanding the steps and processes of new construction, including what must be done prior to submitting permits.

Best way to scale and build wealth is to 1031 exchange and I can help show you examples here in KC.