My goal, over the next five years, is to utilize real estate in lieu of my current hourly consulting income, by building a portfolio of rentals.  

I've been thinking a lot about Florida and I believe it's a great state for future potential investments such as purchasing and renting out (utilizing the BRRRR Method Of Course).

You need to work with a lender that will utilize STR 1007 Data and/or AirDNA Income on a REFI.Tough deal but we do this consistently.

BUT, get a solid quote on utilities.

Many Airbnb guests will want common utilities unless it is in a remote are where you go as a sot to sleep while hiking the area. 

Tax savings are amazing and I have utilized cost segs myself, but you also have an opportunity to make an amazing return on your money in the Tampa Bay market. 

On the RE side - I own/developed 2,000 residential units across the United States focusing on opportunistic residential acquisitions and development, including student housing conversions and luxury multifamily development.On the startup side - it is a third-party guarantor platform that expands your renter pool, increases rents and occupancy, and ultimately boosts your NOI while broadening affordable housing options for renters.

I would also try to minimize expenses through decreasing cleaning costs, installing smart tech like a thermostat to control utility costs, etc.5.

Big Banks like Wells Fargo, BOA, Citi, US Bank, and Chase utilize lending programs aimed to service large swaths of depositors.

When you're first getting started, you may not have the luxury of limiting your exposure in any one real estate investment to 1% of your total net worth.