Both of us work full time jobs and are looking for financial freedom.

One thing I have seen many investors do, unfortunately, is ignore the asset after purchase.

Ultimately you have to do what is right with your schedule and what works with the properties financials. 

There are a lot of novice wholesalers (generalizing here) that are just in it for the fee and will leave you with a toxic asset.

Lenders will offer lower leverage on land than most other assets and expect to front the diligence, civil and architectural fees to entitle the land which is where you create value.

The advantage of STR in a strong market such as Tampa over a LTR is buying an A/B asset in a high appreciation market and having a better maintenance schedule with the option of self use :)

They are completely two different asset classes and each buyer is looking for completely different things.

You get the asset or paid in full at a sheriff's sale.

This arrangement may be beneficial to the seller in that the seller is able to sell their home quickly, and avoid foreclosure if they are facing financial difficulties. 

You are also dealing with folks who are financially strapped (that's how they qualify for section 8).