I work a full time job at a wood shop building custom cabinetry.

*Opening a family owned, neighborhood supermarket!

I’ve heard that this neighborhood doesn’t really have any problems from a social worker but outside areas aren’t good. 3/4 units are currently rented at $900 each, renters pay utilities.

If you can save up for a slightly higher down payment your margin for success will be significantly higher.Also, I strongly agree with the "buy the worst in a great neighborhood, live in the worst unit of the triplex and slowly fix it up yourself."

There’s demand for rentals in the area, and multi-family properties tend to hold value even in market shifts.New Construction: With SWFL growing fast, new construction is a big play, especially if you can tap into neighborhoods where demand is rising but inventory is still limited.

One deal I closed last year was right next to a planned shopping center.Realtor Pocket Listings: As a licensed agent myself, I’ve built relationships with other agents who sometimes share “pocket listings” or properties not yet on the MLS.

I live here in Columbus, and it's very attainable to house hack a duplex for $400,000-$600,000 in an A-class neighborhood and gross $3,500-$5,000 in rent, which is why I asked.  

And now I see it mentioned here and in newsletters as an up and coming place.I’m a huge fan of industrial neighborhoods and buildings and it has a cool little district.

The last few years we've just been nickel and dime-ing it--  picking up small value add add-ons near existing properties and recently did a "trade-up" 1031 exchange sale/purchase for a newer/better neighborhood property with one less but larger higher rent units.

You could also look into regional banks or credit unions with experience in real estate development for middle-ground options.If I were you, I’d spend some time shopping around for the best rate/terms.