No need to get an expensive lawyer involved at this stage. 

My plan in my beginning stages right now is to invest in the general Florida area, locations like Orlando, Tampa, Venice, Sarasota, Punta Gorda and Ft Myers. 

If someone has $40,000 for a possible mentorship program they are not at the stage in the business where creative financing is needed.

At some point I'd love to share anything I learn as well, but very much in the beginning stages of educating myself. 

We held as primary for a year and STR for 2 years filing the appropriate tax declarations/forms etc. during each stage.

I am in the initial stages of planning converting my detached over sized 2 car garage ( 30x26, 780sqft ) into an ADU.

 Once a person lets earnest money  go hard, they become emotionally attached.If you find yourself in a situation, where there was something majorly different than what you realized, then it is my firm opinion that it is best to let the seller have your earnest money and take stage left.Remember, no deal is better than a bad deal.No, I have not always been the master of that particular principal.

My plan is to lend my money only at this stage.

You WILL see the data jump and actions happening at each stage.

Agree Sean, I'm in the early stages/data gathering but I do have a business interest in the area now so I'll be there more over the next few months.