Do not squeeze it into a space that you think is too hard to navigate comfortably but I think you have the appropriate size here. $40k also sounds very inexpensive and likely unpermitted so just be on the lookout for drive-by inspectors and make sure your contractors have proper workers comp. 

Both are houses of comparable size.

However, we have probably about an acre and a half in the back that I think would be perfect to develop into a storage unit space (easy access for any size vehicle, etc etc.).

I have gone through a large portion of this thread but have one question I do not believe has be addressed.

lot size .31 acres or 13,503 SqftSchool district Hendry County Zoning RG3I just want to help my neighbor, he has been getting offers from $1 to 30K....  

It looks like a compilation of reports, so the results may not support each other.However, I certainly support your primary assertion that most properties could/should consider the benefit of allowing pets, at least of a certain size/type.

@Matt Roth for mailers there are various list providers that provide different filtering options, absentee owner, by county, state, type/size/class of building etc. 

We've seen some of the best deals we've seen in years with mid-size multifamily because so many are staying on the sidelines. 

Unfortunately, there are no refunds for unused portions of membership: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...So, knowing you have several months remaining, consider going all in for a couple of months and getting active on the site. 

Olympic sized pool, hot tubs, on-site restaurant, yoga, pilates, gym, steam, sauna, and management company to take care of it all.