I am currently interning at a real estate firm in Scottsdale, AZ and am learning a lot about private equity real estate investments.

@Hugo Seijas I can’t speak for specific firms especially in Florida, but in my firm, people “hang” their license and I’ve never seen 80% of them in the office.

If that work is something you think you can do quickly, I'd firmly raise the rent and see if they opt to move or not.

Again, this is somewhere you'll need to be buttoned up - commercial mortgage brokerage firms (full disclosure, I own one) exist for this reason.

I want to hold that money myself rather than the property manager.I was told the property management firm has to hold that money.

We firmly believe that God knows all things and opens doors in our lives if we are on the path that He knows is best for us.

@Giovanni Luna personally I don't have experience with development.My firm belief though, if you have experience and a solid track record, finding money for projects is not the challenge, rather locating great opportunities for your investors.Your investors and lender will want to know about your experience and track record.

Finding one that fits my needs is not as easy as cold calling random firms in the area. 

I'd say - firm but fair - if you have to.

@Louis SulekBack in the 60s & 70s, I lived in Bellville and Trenton (Carrying Place) and my father lived there during the 80s while he flew out of CFB Trenton.There is enough rotation through the air base, that there should be a firm rental market.