Hope this helps. 

This money is still owed by the tenants and at times we were able to collect some of the money for the damages.Regarding installing a sprinkler system, it's only helpful if the tenants don't turn it off.

Like @John Underwood said, your cleaner and handy person can be of great help getting things done.

As far as hiring the other trades, this can be difficult from a distance, who is helping locally?

I've got about 7k in an emergency savings account.I am in the process of getting several mortgage pre-approvals to compare fees and get an idea of how much home I can realistically afford.I have yet to find a buyer's agent/investor to help me identify potential homes but will start on that shortly.Ideally, I would like to buy a single family home.

I’m based in Tampa and run Graystone Investment Group, focusing heavily on helping (out of state) investors find and manage properties here in Florida.Totally agree on the importance of understanding those short-term rental rules in Florida—each area can feel like its own little country with all the different regulations!

all materials, all labor costs to others, Not you, utilities, interest payments, permits, licenses, auto/truck expenses, tools needed are all deductable. 

Also, perhaps @Mindy Nicol may know somebody who can help :)

Quote from @Clayton Silva: Definitely helps to get quotes from a few places, problem is that options are shrinking as more carriers leave the state of CA. 

.: Application/Screen every tenantIMO I wouldn't allow pets since it wasn't leased with petsOtherwise a non refundable pet feeI would charge at minimum 350 upfront per pet or not allow them at allThe Realtor who sold me the property and helps me find tenants, suggested $500 nonrefundable deposit for 2 cats and $25 a month each.