There's a lot to unpack in your questions. 

There's a lot to process here but I'm starting to get into analysis paralysis and need to take the first step. 

It has a lot to offer.

It makes sense to me as a landlord/investor because the tenant can do a lot to avoid this issue by ensuring trash is sealed, food is not left out, more.Manage to your lease - and if it's not in your lease now, please consider adding this to it in the future. 

Florida is where we'd like to end up in the long run, most of our family is moving down there and we would like to remain close to them, family means a lot to the both of us.

Not a whole lot to pick from on realtor and zillow from what we can tell.

I don't have a mentor so now I see going along with things there is a lot to learn even after you think you've properly educated yourself.

I will say that 3bed/2bath is a lot to squeeze into 1,000 sq.ft.

Also try snd get the history of the lot to determine if it was previously developed and what utilities and zoning exist. good luck!

I will quit my job and buy lotto  to win the money prize.