My understanding is that in Florida I do not need to hire licensed contractors to do regular routine maintenance (replace lamps, toilets, tiles, etc), is this true?

True, you eliminate residential tenants, BUT it is a real business with employees, taxes, etc etc etc.

It is two story, and is currently just a large shop floor with one section that has a second story loft type thing.

As for getting less then payment standard calculation, that stands true in theory.

This is true for the region.

IF you are confident in your numbers, you can shop around for another lender. 

I house hacked my first two houses before I'd ever heard of BiggerPockets but it wasn't until I did my first true investment deal, a 100+ year old home in a historic district that was a full gut rehab, that I really learned some of the lessons that I'd heard and read previously. 

How to find these just like anything ask around and get out there start shopping around talking to agents, wholesalers, investors, and more people that are in the communities.  

Hello Everyone, My name is Solomon and when it comes to the Real estate investment game I am on the newer side but willing to learn from others and when the time is right strike to get my second true rental property.

Hi Marcus,I have been doing this process recently and might be able to provide some insight, but I am not an expert in this.There are many companies out there that can be your 'One stop shop" with LLCs, virtual office/address, and registered agents.