Another good alternative would be Bonita Springs, just on the North side of Naples, or Cape Coral as I mentioned above

Is there an alternate source of heat?

You can do whatever you want in terms of bending for the tenants and trying to provide "great service,' but the truth is you receive no credit for it and will be the evil landlord at the first repair that takes too long, late fee owed, alternation denied, etc.  

Gradually raising rents, exploring lease buyouts, or selling with tenants in place are balanced alternatives.

However, there are lenders who offer more flexible terms or even no prepayment penalties, depending on the deal structure and your investment strategy.To find such lenders, here are some options to consider:No Prepayment Penalty Loans: Some lenders, often private or portfolio-based, offer DSCR loans without prepayment penalties, though the trade-off might be a slightly higher interest rate or fees.Yield Maintenance or Defeasance Alternatives: Ask about other prepayment structures like yield maintenance, which can sometimes be less restrictive depending on market conditions.Custom Terms: There are lenders (like us at Phoenix Funded) who can structure loans tailored to your needs.

An alternative investment would be a doubling every 7 years

Sellers should also be open to alternative negotiations and market timing to maximize property value in shifting market conditions.Buyer Strategies: Buyers should explore off-market properties, distressed assets, and opportunities in gentrifying areas.

Alternatively, can you use either unit as an STR to increase cash flow even further?

RADD brings imo highly reputable folks to talk alternative investments that helps to possibly validate their business model, too.

Alternatively, do you think it might be better to use the 200k to make down payments on higher-quality homes, i.e., ones that are almost rent-ready, and finance the remainder of those purchases with DSCR, etc.?