I have some investment experience and have accumulated some idle funds.

Mariposa, Oakhurst and Twain’s Heart and Arnold areas.I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with short term rentals in this area.

You want to work with a QI that has a lot of experience with the CFTB. 

I’m in Florida. any advice or past experience with what to do or not to do is greatly appreciated. 

My aunt (who is not a successful real estate investor, but has some experience with flipping) says I shouldn't jump into a triplex because I'm too new.

Quick backstory on myself and my real estate experience: I am a Wholesaler/Investor in the Metro - Detroit area and I am about to start Direct mail for the first time.

Had a bad experience recently with a contractor.

I have zero experience, but my wife and I eat out a lot???"

From my experience, the most reputable/reliable GCs will charge for a scope of work and overall consultation/advice.

@Scott EwellLeveraged vs debt-free is a personal decision to some extent.Leverage will give you a higher ceiling on your investment, whereas debt free provides the lower floor.While I can't say which is best for you in particular; I can say that, in my experience, every majorly successful investor I've come across uses debt in their strategy to some degree.