@Troy Fisher was very helpful with providing a good contact and I had a 30-minute conversation with the person.  

Still looking for personal references based on 1st hand experiences, something to go on, but I have filled out the form and requested info for a couple.Thanks much!

Hi Julianne, Investing in rental properties near a beach in Florida sounds like a great idea, especially if you're looking to combine investment with personal enjoyment during the winter months.

One of the things I’m uncertain about is whether or not I should pay off personal debts before making investments.

But would it be fine if I Iabeled myself as the listing owner and made the other person the host? 

The seller was the most lazy person I have ever met.

If this area interests you @Angelo Proto, he would be a great person to reach out to.

LLC is more based on protecting personal assets from business liability.

I don't have personal experience with it though. 

And, I just don't buy that GPs will liquidate the deal to finance their personal problems - if that's the case, then I invested with a GP who was irresponsible to risk their family's financial future on a single deal.