The Port Charlotte duplex...given it hasn’t suffered hurricane damage...could command a pretty penny on its own.I recall reading a piece in Forbes that suggests certain Florida markets could remain strong for years, which might help you gauge whether now is the right time to sell.

I've found the easiest solution is to have a really strong banking relationship and then they will be able to provide non-standard offerings. 

Buyer's agency agreements were already required here before, our regulatory agency just went from strongly recommending them be signed right away but not really requiring them until writing a contract to 100% requiring them to be signed prior to showings.

If you can save up for a slightly higher down payment your margin for success will be significantly higher.Also, I strongly agree with the "buy the worst in a great neighborhood, live in the worst unit of the triplex and slowly fix it up yourself."

It seems, obviously, that the method is strongly focused on the refinancing of the property post rehab.  

If not, cut it all out and put down some strong sturdy plywood.

A strong online presence and fresh marketing are how you dominate the market.

It has a strong potential for cash flow.

Since you're investing from a distance, I recommend interviewing multiple agents, lenders, property managers, contractors, and other professionals to build a strong and reliable team.

As an investor here myself, I can tell you we're seeing solid rental demand here thanks to the strong job market and major employers developing here.