Any recommendation for the first steps I should take if I want to purchase my first rental property using the BRRRR method (or flipping).

If you are using RE investing to try to avoid going to school, your intentions are not in the correct place.

Hello @Yvonne Wang,The scope of work should include the following:- Basic info: Property address, client name, contractor's contact info, address, license#'s, signed general/operating agreement b/w contractor and client- Specification of repairs: Repair item, Quantity of items needed, total & per unit cost of items, taxes (if applicable), Completion hours, title of the person responsible for the repair item, written summary describing the work- Add'l info: Schedule of repairs, additional payment schedule details i.e. disbursement schedule, method of disbursement, deposits, holdback amounts, etc.The screenshot below highlights a couple of repair items.

But from your post it seems all that may not be correct.

The Tampa Bay area can really be the best of both worlds in terms of appreciation and cash flow, as long as you execute correctly.

Keeping insurance and ownership in mind, what is the correct day to start the lease?

This method is a little riskier and requires more work from the Property Manager. 

@Steve Powers is correct that these were mostly originated as owner occupied loans.

Without rent control i either raise their rent far above market rents so they give me notice (my preferred method) or i simply do not renew their lease.

Again, all answers that might be better answered in private.You are correct that a lot of lenders just don't understand how we work as investors but that's why some of us hang out here.