We've always been curious about the market there, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on areas worth exploring a bit more.I'm open to connecting privately to chat further, but I also appreciate you sharing insights here for everyone to benefit.

Just started exploring what is available, prices, and rents.

NNN 20+ yearsPeople work with me exclusive with written agreement to buy NNN.If people want to just talk, explore NNN rate is currently 1,500 for 30 minutes or 3,000 for 1 hour on the phone.If they sign agreement and buy something and we close where I make my fees then I give credit for consult fee.My time is very valuable.Good luck  

@Angela Doyle I’d explore SBA loan.

@Troy Zapp, if the wife is on board, start exploring the investment strategy of house hacking to minimize monthly expenses and watch your income snowball.

@Jason GriffinRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

My advice is to look for and explore markets with great macroeconomics - just like here in Columbus.

The owners may agree to carry part of the financing, but you won't need them to stick around to transition operations.After acquiring the properties and assets you wish, you would either run your own business, or part-out and resell some of the assets.From your post, it does not sound like parting out the properties is a viable path and where you admit to having no experience with vacation rentals or the resort business, you might want to explore purchasing the business with the current owners hanging around for a bit to help you get your feet wet.Regardless of approach, it needs to have legs to be worth pursuing.

We live in the panhandle (PCB, FL) but are interested in exploring the greater Tampa/Sarasota market!

We are sandwiched between well known hot spots and its an ideal location for someone who wants to explore the beach life or any of the down-town areas nearby (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Redondo, Manhattan, Southbay Etc), new build with modern amenities, washer/dryer in unit, full sized fridge, dishwasher, professional range cooktop, queen bedroom, full standing shower, large kitchen, full sized couch in the living room, private front patio.