If not, how much are you all "throwing away" on rent when those funds could be applied to ownership?

More so that it is uncommon and throws most smaller town contractors into a loop of uncomfortable bidding.

I’m thinks just pay him his regular price for the job and throw him 5-10% finders/gc fee instead of making a 70/30 split or something like that.

Also, Tampa is not cheap either.

This could be a huge opportunity for investors who can find cheap conversions (think: a SF with an existing in law apartment).

(As AZ and your current state will fight over who gets to tax your gains with the federal government.)I have to throw most of the shade on your horrible tax guy/cpa who didn’t tell you renting it out was a $50-$100k mistake. 

Buy quality properties in strong submarkets, finance with low leverage, bulk up on cash reserves, diversify geographically, and you'll be positioned to survive whatever the economy throws at you.

Not sure what ($139.11) Wall plate covers $1.62 Garage door balance $1,185.01 Cheap paint brushes $3.89 Drywall anchors $8.21 Door finishing $1,400.00 Wall plate covers $5.48 Shelve brackets and air filters $60.58 Stair refinish $560.00 Door handles-dummy $41.30 Door handles-dummy, angle finder, Paint for countertops $123.40 Front door handle $152.55 Door finishing $350.00 Window balance $10,993.20 Landscape lighting $246.15 Fixing exterior lights and plugs in office $150.00 Door stops and towel hanger $20.83 Ring doorbell $65.84 Light bulbs for chandelier $43.88 Hanging chandelier $49.00 Hanging chandelier $462.50 Vent cover $19.68 Gutter extender $6.16 Mailbox $447.21 Landscaping-Wanderwolfs $119.63 Landscaping $932.88 Gutter extender, 2x emerald green $110.43 Pebbles/mulch $86.54 Paver $125.12 Landscaping $521.31 Landscaping, gutter pop up $403.93 Landscaping-adjustment for 20% discount ($89.78) Beach pebbles, garden staples, Insect killer $135.59 Emerald Greens $72.94 Pebbles/mulch $100.06 Returned Festuca grass ($16.64) Mulch $11.49 Paver $41.71 Mulch $10.38 Front tree $900.15 Fence $5,690.00 Fence stain $667.05 encapsulation $3,165.63

A lot of out of state investors see super cheap houses on Zillow and don't look at why they are so cheap.

Save...it takes a lot more money than most new investors believe (don't drink the Kool-aid that you can get in cheap) and residing outside the US will be seen as a substantial risk to most lenders which will limit your financing options.