We paid half down and borrowed the other half with a 2-year short-term loan. 

I have personally done fix & flips, and have several clients that have completed projects this year. 

At the time I purchased this condo, I was in my early 20's and the idea of signing a document that committed me to anything for 30 years freaked me out, because I hadn't even been alive for 30 years!

Easy return, purchased new from the builder, great ROI off the bat. 0 repair cost first few years.

I have been at it for 15 years and have seen it all.  

It’s a great time to buy during the low season to get launched, stabilized and get your tax write offs now (60% bonus depreciation this year vs 40% next year).  

Yes, there are lower down payment options out there, but many of those will require you to live in the property for a year before renting it out (or it's mortgage fraud).

I recommend you rent it long-term for a year while you figure out where you are trying to go.

I have been kind of in the behind the scenes mode for most of this year.

I am a licensed FL Realtor and part owner of a FL Real Estate Brokerage.