And it would have been that much harder if it wasn't a short-ish drive away.   

I have four short term rentals here that perform really well year round. 

Dos it require rehab or just need a short term bridge loan?

If you're coming in min down payment, long inspection time, long closing, no one is going to care.If you come in close to market value, short inspection, short closing, above average down/deposit....

I bought my 1st 4plex in Edinburg about 6 years ago as part of a short sale and that turned out really nicely.

I am a little dismayed with the short-term setback, but I welcome the opportunity for growth.Is anyone else going through a similar situation?

Do your homework - there is no short cut in this game.

Don't know about other states but Florida  considers short-term rentals a commercial activity, so regular "landlord" liability coverage does not apply.

Making only $1700/mo isn't enough to make large strides in a short amount of time which I've always looked at it as an "all or none" scenario towards one end or the other (debt or expansion).

I've also lived in the Phoenix metro area for about 4 years, courtesy of the USAF (1993-1996).I've always had an interest in RE, I even had my license for a short while 15 years ago.