I was wondering what are some ways or suggestions that we can give to these newer potential buyers to help them have successful conversations with agents or advise that can be given before they call a broker.- One thing I was thinking was to not tell the broker you just want a "good deal"? 

Any advice or suggestions I would not advise using hard money for your first deal.

You can work with a SCORE adviser in your area to create that.

Good Afternoon,A contractor may give direction but will not advise on something an engineers opinion is needed on such as a load bearing wall or structural item separating units.Secondly I would contact by phone or email (I recommend email) Tampa or Hillsborough Building and Zoning department and ask them.

The owner/heir advised me a realtor wants to list for $550k, but since it would be off market with me he’d do 525 due to no realtor fees, and lowest is a family friend price of $500 (I also offered to move all his junk out).

Feel free to post there if you ever need some more "local" advise about things.

Do you have a broker advising on the market and potential lease rates? 

I wouldn't use them ever and advise clients against using them and against accepting offers with them.

First I would call the deed office and see what they would advise because there are time limits he is supposed to follow for all legal filings. 

If you have more disposable income that should help get to retirement quicker and those funds could even be invested but again speak to your CPA and attorney as they can only give you advise.