Since you're looking to expand into Florida and other states, I'd recommend starting by narrowing down your focus:Market Research – Florida has great opportunities, but each state and city has different laws, taxes, and demand drivers.

A HYSA pays 4.5-5%(before rates went down) pre-tax, 3% net tax if you're a high earner. 

I position my inspections as 'planning for future repairs/improvements' which mitigates that whole 'he's here to get my security deposit' mindset.And, I would rather have the tenant with me than to have him later claim that something was broken during the inspection.  

Security investigated to find the renters still at our house.

I know some investors use them as a tax-advantaged way to grow their portfolios, and I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on that.Looking forward to your insights!

My goal is to create financial security for retirement.

experience: I’m on my 3rd flipage: early 40sday job: brand and web design/development retirement savings: noneI want to learn about buy and hold to secure having SOMETHING for retirement!

Areas near oil production hubs could experience economic booms, creating localized opportunities for real estate investments.Beyond these broader economic initiatives, Bessent has been vocal about extending or even expanding the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

I understand I wouldn't get the benefit of tax deductions, but what else am I missing that makes this a good deal? 

We also got them to have it professionally cleaned, ducts cleaned, they threw in some furniture for free, paid a lot of the closing costs that buyer usually pays, paid most recent mill levy instead of prior years taxes, paid my 2.8% commission, etc. because it is a buyers market and that's what you can negotiate in a buyer's market.