An experienced property manager should also be able to help you net more money and will handle the marketing, leasing and background checks.

I am very familiar with the Fort Lauderdale market and surrounding areas. 

It is still possible to get homes without coming out of pocket a lot of money and the most popular method for this currently is the BRRRR method.Well, in theory this would work but this is almost impossible to do in this current market.  

Immigration is good, but it is not sustainable at that level. 

You should schedule a call with all 4 and learn what they specialize in, the markets and how they operate.  

What options do we have for locking in purchase of the property NOW & him avoiding the tax hit of an immediate sale before it goes back on market next year.

The other market I'm interested in is Dayton, Ohio.

Based on your experience, in general, what is the rational or the steps in getting into a new market.

Initially we were set on purchasing a Primary Residence again, single family or townhome within reach of my sons school and continuing life as usual, but feel like we are slightly priced out of the market we want and areas we need to live. 

Lower rates, more buyers in the market, more competition.