Also if it is intended to possibly be a rental you should calculate the end result of the acquisition, the debt service, the rehab, etc and pretend to get a loan to refinance. then look at the potential rent to offset that monthly cost and see if it would cash flow.

Knowing this information will help you identify the right professionals to bring on board.At minimum, your team team should include:Financial Advisor: to help with investment strategies - portfolio diversification and risk management.Real Estate Agent/Broker: to help with property acquisition and market analysis.Accountant or Tax Advisor: to help manage financial records, tax planning, and optimization.Attorney: to provide legal counsel for contracts, agreements, and investment structures.Mentor or Coach: to offer guidance, insights, and industry knowledge.Networking and Relationship Builder (for everything else you will need): to connect you with potential partners and collaborators.

Software: Stessa for accounting, Deal Check for quick and dirty analysis of potential purchasesMarket positioning: Pet-friendly (fenced-yard, accept dogs and cats), well-designed homes, off-street parking, suburban, full cable TV package (not streaming only)Pricing: Targeting upper-middle market (not budget-conscious guests)So far, so good (since 2020)

I've never heard the 25% thing before, but any difference between FMV and sales price would technically be considered a "gift" with potential tax implications for your parents.You can avoid most seller costs as there's no reason to use agents in this case.As an FYI: I always recommend avoiding a FHA loan, if you qualify for a low-down payment conventional loan.

Connect with like-minded investors, check out potential opportunities, and start familiarizing yourself with the community.

I would also get a 1099G for whatever grant was received so not exactly "free" but could be offset other ways potentially. 

@Ben Cochran I hope you have factored STR tax savings into your cashflow and ROI as it can be significant.Leveraging equity to purchase a short-term rental (STR) in Tampa Bay can diversify your portfolio and potentially generate strong cash flow, but it also increases your financial risk.While your properties hold significant equity, adding debt from HELOCs or a DSCR loan could strain your finances if STR performance fluctuates or costs rise.

There is no shame in taking some time to hunker down and reassess everything, and potentially sell. 

Concerns: Although the cashflow is good, we weren't sure it's valuation and potential for appreciation since there is no good comp like this property in the area.

I would also be curious to see what the market rents in the area are to see what the potential upside is.