It gives you better control over the process and helps you really understand the market.

I'm getting a contractor/ structural engineer to come by and help me draw estimates and understand how serious these issues are.

I understand this can take a very long time.... 

I’m self managing myself but the tax side of it is a little confusing to me but I’m recording everything involved as far as maintenance, traveling, expenses etc. just want to know what some people would do in my situation or what to I can benefit from come tax season  @Angelo LlamasI recommend that you find a real estate accountant to help you understand and prepare your taxes.Bigger Pockets is a great place to find a real estate tax accountant. 

They do not understand the paperwork and many of them are even good at selling real estate.

Having two people paying rent, but only one living in the house is not ideal unless both understand clearly they are liable. 

It is my understanding that a CPA is only responsible for making sure you follow all the laws when filing taxes, but there is another role that is responsible for tax strategy and focuses on tax savings. 

I understand as someone new to real estate investing there is a lot to learn and even though I have read many books, until I do it myself for a few years, I will be far from an expert.

Seems like the few people I talked to that are selling land in Florida are trying to sell it above retail without understanding that most of their potential buyers are going to be builders. do Not buy land in FLA without doing full due diligence  on all aspects . there are environmental gotchas that you need to fully suss out prior to waiving due diligence

From my understanding they filed for Chapter 11, that would protect them from any creditor action, any foreclosure, etc.