It would be easier if I asked them for contact information when they sign the lease or any time they sign a renewal.

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?

Off the top of my head I am targeting 2019 to potentially purchase a single-family or small multi-family property using conventional financing (20% down) at first.

I have a small (less than 50) very targeted list of properties I want to send direct marketing material to acquire the SFRs. 

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