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

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

It is still possible to get homes without coming out of pocket a lot of money and the most popular method for this currently is the BRRRR method.Well, in theory this would work but this is almost impossible to do in this current market.  

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.

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. 

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

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.

Its all what the market will bear .  

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!!!

Interior and exterior renovations and improved management plan in order to increase rents closer to market and mitigate expenses.