It would be easier to add more coverage right? 

I am wondering what advice you all might have, as properties in Florida higher, so should we look up north for a property that might be a bit easier for us to finance.

Stepping into a purchase with current tenants can be a lot easier, if the numbers are good.You might look at a HELOC on your personal home, but not until you have really worked through the risks. it would be awful to lose your own home on your first investment purchase.It has only been five months since your home purchase- how is your emergency fund?

Finding a duplex in OC for your price range is much easier than you might think.

The other reason is that it makes it a little easier to self manage......as far as the tenant is concerned, I'm the manager and a company owns the property. 

Are there any statutes or laws that make owning it for 6 years make the process easier?

I would try not to make too many waves so that they leave the house with no damage and clean thinking they may have a shot of getting their deposit back.

Make notes on how clean the tenants are. 

Investors into and LLC seems easier to me than a bunch of small private loans documented. 

It's always easier if you have your own 25%+ deposit for that first deal, rather than relying on Refinancing later out of HML!...