@Brad KanouseYou've gotten some good info so far from Arthur and Dmitriy and I wanted to add in some other things to think about as well.1.Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA): This is what @Dmitriy Fomichenko mentioned, and he's right, it could be a self-directed IRA or a solo 401k.  

And as mentioned above, if the lender you are speaking with doesn't know what that is...then you need to go to a different lender.  

Not sure how many PMCs you've had bad experiences with, but we'll take exception to:"Then do a thorough research on tenant applicants (note: leaving this to a PM may be hazardous to your financial health)".BP seems to have more threads about screening mistakes by DIY landlords as opposed to PMCs.Now, if you'd have mentioned Maintenance, you'd get no argument from me:) Even the PMC industry acknowledges maintenance as one of the biggest challenges.Rereading my post, I kinda see how I sounded negative toward PMs.  

$540 is not unreasonable for a home of that size and the items you mention.

As mentioned by @Chris Mason, Bridge Loans: These short-term loans can provide immediate financing until more traditional financing becomes available or until the property stabilizes and becomes more attractive to lenders.Interest rates and stipulations may be a pain.Out of the box here and requires a few more research, SBA Loans: Small Business Administration loans can be an option, especially the SBA 7(a) loan program, which can be used for hotel acquisitions.I heard someone  mention - Mezzanine Financing: it involves a combination of debt and equity financing, which might appeal to some investors looking for higher returns.

-In speaking with investors, others have experienced some of the same issues mentioned throughout. 

As you mentioned, the benefit to paying it off is the peace of mind and simplicity. 

Since you are not doing super high end finishes as mentioned, doing high end flooring and all other stuff just above builder grade does not warrant tile or full wood flooring. 

You didn't mention the higher Florida insurance costs. 

Land is also scarce, so a SFH in such a dense and popular spot will be rare and expensive.Also as David mentioned, land retains its value but structures are generally thought to depreciate to zero over 25 years.