Would buying a BRRR south of Tropicana just a few blocks south of the development projected to be completed by 2027? 

Access to capital seems like the biggest stumbling block to foreign investment. 

Wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a trusted carpenter/handyman/contractor who can install wood butcher block countertops?

I would suggest you also consider North Beach (yes, it's a neighborhood within the City of Miami Beach, but deserves it's own consideration for several reasons) and Edgewater (blocks from Midtown). 

Have your Contractor verify that pier n post is all code legal (looks like cinder block, no seismic straps, PT, in back looks like a 2x4?) 

Property is exempt from STR permitting because the jurisdiction considers it to be a commercial lodging establishment.We've been pursuing an SBA 504 loan for it, which was going well until we discovered that the sellers have operated it only part-time the last 12 years -- intentionally blocking 60% of available room-nights because they just weren't up for running it full time in their retirement. 

The boss is firm with it being Wildwood Crest only, very close to the beginning of the boardwalk, and 1-2 blocks from the water.

Yes - it's somewhat street by street when you go south of central but being within say 10 blocks of central ave you're still in a great proximity to downtown. 

Is there enough room to install drain field for septic. - type of lot.

That way the SSN is blocked out except the last four and I only get the full SSN when they go to apply after meeting the screening requirements.