Maybe get a mentor from the REI groupBuild a team in that area (real estate agent that specializes in investment RE and is an investor themselves, lender, title company, contractors, property manager)Get on wholesalers listsSet up an auto search list with your agentStart analyzing dealsMake offersBuy a property and repeatHappy Investing!

Potential Special Circumstances..??

Can anyone recommend an agent in Florida who specializes in short term rentals?  

Including cash, stocks, bonds, etc.

There might be a 10% chance an escrow company could hold the money for 1 or 2 big repairs until a licensed and bonded company submitted bills for the repairs to be reimbursed and the extra returned to the seller.

Or alternatively your agent can connect you with a lender that offers a special product like a rehab loan (not all do) or is better with underwriting self employed individuals.

I also don't do the "landlord special" where everything goes a single color (trim, walls, light switches, outlets, ceilings).  

As noted, on your next contractor: license, contract, insurance/bonding verification.  

They might be planning a HUGE special assessment like they were in my community and that could lead to lesser cash flow, or a close to net zero cashflow like me.

I have a construction company based out of Idaho (River valley developments) we specialize in multi family real estate jobs doing anything from siding, roofing, new car ports, landscaping sprinkler work, ect!