Hey All,I have a background in Civil Engineering working for around 40 years doing land development, floodplains, and waste management work, among other things.

I've been investing in Tampa for over 20 years and manage around 250 properties, so I'm quite familiar with the market.

I have spent the last 8 years co-managing a small remodeling LLC, and have an primary background in project management, client coordination and admin communications/support. 

Location plays a major role in decision making.

Only difference in the last few years is I have a virtual bookkeeping company and a property manager.

Please make adequate allowance for vacancy, management, property taxes, insurance, maintenance and cap ex. 

Establish a good relationship with a property management law attorney.

On the flip side, multiple MTR/STRs in other areas could yield higher cash flow, especially in tourist-heavy or affordable markets, but managing dispersed properties can be challenging, with considerations like vacancy periods and potential property management costs if you opt out of self-management.

Or like @Bill Hampton said, explore Delaware Statutory Trusts or NNN commercial properties if you want to move into a more passive role.

The key is buying properties significantly below market value, keeping costs low through self-management and maintenance skills, and taking a long-term view to build wealth through forced appreciation and equity capture over time.