They have allowed it since May of 2021 and its a booming part of the rental market.  

When the market is more balanced, then it may make sense to buy a primary and convert it to a rental when you move.There are exceptions, but you will need to learn how to really analyze a property to know when the numbers make sense.

If the property appraises at $500K, 25% higher than purchase price, either because you bought it for less or due to market appreciation, then you essentially get all your $100K back.  

If you do a case study also consider what market appreciation and mortgage paydown would occur in both scenarios.

BiggerPockets can be a great resource, and I know there's tons of information available on the Fort Myers market specifically.

How much it rents for is not determined by what you'd need to make it a good investment, it is determined by the market. 

For example, I know of a deal in Reno, NV where all the records were still on paper, and the owners didn’t even know the rents people were paying.When I’m evaluating multifamily properties for clients around the Reno area, I calculate current, market, and proforma rents.

Currently, the market is still short on supply so when putting in offers you need to put on the 'seller' hat and think what they would want.

Since you're planning to buy your first multifamily unit, I suggest looking into markets that have great macroeconomics with growing population and jobs just like Columbus OH.

The NOLA rental market, especially for the more expensive neighborhoods like the one my rental is in, has been slow.