I am a broker as well, so unless the deal is off market, the seller is usually paying sometime of a commission.

Trust me on this one, just take a look at the skyrocketing insurance rates in those regions.

Essentially there is a property management company that finds investors to pay for the build of duplexes that are then sold for 30%-40% more than the cost to build.

His entire approach was to try to make the entire process seem too difficult, but I should trust my money with him because he knows it all.

I'm sure you will gain some interest from potential investors then maybe they can supply you with the down payments and you can pay them back over time and you could buy more per year.From what I know, business is a slow game and from what I hear, successful Real Estate Investing can be boring.

You can get a credit union to do a drive by appraisal for a HELOC and the brokers can tell you prior what it will appraise for and you probably dont have to pay for the appraisal. 

It’s also helpful to pay attention to the public records of similarly constructed housing in Miami.

I am not sure I understand the strategy of a company creating software and not wanting anyone who wanted to learn it learn; even if it was training you could pay for. 

I am looking for ways not to be responsible for the house and yet not pay the capital gains tax? 

At least in terms of rent, college students are paying 1100 - 1600 to rent by the room.