On the other hand, I want to be able to enjoy this place too.

You will enjoy the serenity of rural living, complete with a large cleared backyard perfect for homesteading, gardening, or recreation.

Anything that involves a load bearing wall will generally need an architect IME, but it can also be required (maybe indirectly) through the jurisdiction's building code/enforcement.Got it, thank you for lending your expertise!

Piece of advice - when I started I wish I would have focused on my multifamily niche/expertise from day one vs trying to be the agent for everyone (flippers, STR buyers, land, etc). 

There is a wealth of knowledge on this site and I hope you enjoy it.

Let them know how much you enjoy living in the home and mention that you’re planning to buy your own property in 2025.

If you find a seller willing to carry a note, you might be able to negotiate an arrangement that works without needing traditional bank financing.Another approach would be to partner with someone who has capital but lacks construction expertise.

If you ever think about coming to the Tampa area, I can help you enjoy a sun filled winter!

I believe there could be opportunities for us to collaborate, given your expertise and my drive to grow in this space.Looking forward to your thoughts!

Small upfront investments in expertise can save you big in the long run.