You have websites that show crime information for specific areas, search news sites for articles on that town, look at forums for that area, search bigger pockets, do Google map walk through, etc.  2.

@Miguel Toj - I don't know much about Houston, but this sounds like a hard money deal unless you are able to raise private money.At least here in Chicago, a deal switches from residential to commercial when you go over 4 units, so 5+I don't throw out some other keywords about the neighborhood the property is in, so maybe more of your Houston people can chime in.

If someone sues or gets hurt protects all of you too, it wise for you to google pros and cons on LLC, ref inside real estate.

Register for google voice number2.

Check their website, news sites, google searches, Yelp, 411.com and any other social media platform to investigate your Private Money Lender. 

Do I just Google 'local banks,' or would you recommend a credit union? 

There are others out there too for corporate housing, Google search should be able to find them.

I see there are many plans for sale online when I Google them, but I am wondering if someone here has a recommendation for where to look for these types of plans? 

Google whatever Florida county you want followed by millage tables. e.g.

Besides just searching their name on Google.