There are much better lenders out there with better rates, and terms. 

Do the current rents that landlord is charging align with the market rent rates in that are in that area?

The largest differences will be flexibility (aside from pricing and rate) and the ability to finance distressed assets. 

Insurance has been crazy in Tampa and im curious to know if anyone that does buy and holds has any good insurance companies they can recommend that aren't charging outrageous rates.

only you can decide what fits your goals best.  

The best thing that should happen in 2024 is for home appreciation to rise similar to PCE inflation rate which is 3%.

If you are paying more than 7% on your loan you are losing money on a 7% cap rate transaction.I think you should look at this a little different.1.

Before you put dow $5-20K for training think about how much you woud have to invest to get that back at typical interst rates of 6% that most tax ae properties get bid down to. 

I am considering buying a property in the Myrtle beach area since it seems like it’s an affordable are with good cash flowing properties but it seems like the crime rate is above the national average.

Welcome to BiggerPocketss Lindsey (and your husband) and best of luck investing!