Build a strong team with experienced lenders, real estate agents, and property managers, and educate yourself through books and podcasts.

It's great that you're focused on saving and educating yourself before diving into real estate.

But there aren't many parts of Central Florida I don't like!!

I know federally backed loans are required to give 30 days notice but I believe that because it is a triplex and the other two units aren't owner occupied it allows me to do a 3 day notice. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

You aren't trying to help, you're just trying to serve yourself.

However if you aren't doing mass scale, we definitely suggest letting the contractor handle material purchasing.As long as the client has all of the materials at the jobsite, place them where they go, they are all the correct type/fit and there are all of the misc parts (adapters/special hardware/etc) needed to do the install.

After all, a seller can always execute the plan that captures the future value potential and then sell at a higher price, it’s always good to ask “why aren’t they doing that?”.

Don't get stuck in education / analysis paralysis.

Make sure you aren't being charged for those.