An experienced property manager should also be able to help you net more money and will handle the marketing, leasing and background checks.

I am very familiar with the Fort Lauderdale market and surrounding areas. 

What options do we have for locking in purchase of the property NOW & him avoiding the tax hit of an immediate sale before it goes back on market next year.

You should schedule a call with all 4 and learn what they specialize in, the markets and how they operate.  

Its all what the market will bear .  

Initially we were set on purchasing a Primary Residence again, single family or townhome within reach of my sons school and continuing life as usual, but feel like we are slightly priced out of the market we want and areas we need to live. 

The other market I'm interested in is Dayton, Ohio.

Lower rates, more buyers in the market, more competition.

Learn the basics of financials in RE, build a strong team on the ground, understand the ins and outs of RE and what market your in, understand how to actually flip the home and what strategy you are doing (Highly recommend the BRRR) as holding homes is where the money is made.REAL ESTATE IS NOT EASY!!!

Nashville is a hot market for Rentals currently and it seems like that won't change anytime soon, and I've noticed that people are renting in Columbia and Madison quite frequently.