A local condo that you can easily check on might be a good way to learn the ropes of being a landlord without adding the complexity of long-distance management.Out-of-state investing, especially in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, comes with additional risks.

It's only natural because the market took off like a rocket, and people became "rich" with equity. 

If I NEED to sell within five years, this calculation provides insight into the real-world return that incorporates these vital aspects of the investment.I want a balance between steady cash flow and long-term appreciation potential. 

With several hiking trails/boats/kayaks/bicycles/etc, and just nature in general, what do most people do protect themselves from potential issues?

It's random, and those were just the people that I happened to meet over a couple of hours (and I'm not naturally extroverted).

Oh and the original Incumbent tenant dies of natural causes in the unit one month prior to closing in June which delayed it again.Needless to say...

Depending on the nature of the relationship he had with the deceased, he may actually find it offensive that all you care at this point is your rental. 

Cultivate relationships where referrals become a natural part of your interactions.

As long as the amount of segregated 1245 property in the replacement property is fundamentally equivalent in amount and nature to that of the relinquished property.

And you have to be comfortable asking people to do something they may not be naturally inclined to do.