My thought would be househack with minimum cash contribution, force some equity, then do a rate/term refinance roll in costs and get refunded your escrow balance and another $2k at closing. 

What are examples of communities that have been successful?

Tons of great information to run your STR successfully! 

I’m looking for some guidance in terms of how to really get started and where/how to find the best Airbnb/rental properties for investing in Florida.

BRRRR is a grind and you can't do it using Zillow and email.here's what you will have to do to be successful:-you will have to find the sweet spot BRRRR deal - a house that is distressed enough for the seller to sell below market, but not so distressed that the rehab is impossible. these deals aren't on the MLS, and they are tough to find. how will you find one?

Assuming you are doing long term rental, check zillow to see what other houses are renting for. 

What creative financing strategies have you already explored, and how successful were they in helping you close deals?

I'm really interested in creating equity in multifamily via improvements on 4 units and up. I'm a young gun looking to get my feet wet in that sector of REI. Was wondering if anyone on this forum does that kind of thi...

If it works as a traditional rental, everything else is gravy on top.Those aren't the numbers that matter:Property ValueCash in (DP)Mortgage payment and term in yearsrentmonthly expenses 

If you want, I can schedule a short screen share with you so you can see things from MY personal account.