I personally leverage, but have a large rainy day fund. 

Personally I'm against these types of programs, especially 5-figure ones.

With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

These are usually from personal connections we have made through the years and the investors usually want proof of experience to participate in any deals.Can you recommend any lenders in particular for SBLOC product?

Personally, I think this company is probaby about to go out of business - they have lots of inventory, and it's not exactly prudent to be investing in FL in the coastal areas now anyway.  

.: I’m looking at a property that checks all the boxes—good numbers and fits my buy box—but I haven’t seen it in person.

@Mario Morales - Personally, I would do some research in your target market and search (even it on zillow) for 2-4 family properties and see what agent(s) seem to transact the most in that space.

Attend in person, bid, if you win you have to pay right then via a cashiers check.

Or a personal loan if interest rates aren't cost prohibitive?

Gator most of the risk is on the person providing the earnest money.