We have a big back round in rehabs, flips and construction from the contractors stand point, it seemed natural to cross over into the other side of the business. 

Thats the nature of the business . 

We are reaching out to him to explore just what you mention - retaining the exterior facade and incorporating enough to the interior - particularly the trompe l'oeil - to pay respect to the history of the building.Senior living is an avenue we are exploring, but might be cost prohibitive if an elevator need be incorporated.We dismissed B&B - the property would be fitting, but they are in abundance already and some of the older, more established ones are struggling these days.If it wasn't for the fact we have real winters here and 6500 ft^2 of this age costs ~10-12K to heat - we could experiment with less risk.The purchasing of this property will undoubtedly be the least costly aspect of a deal.

Either way, I think I have to incorporate here in Florida or pay twice as foreign entity through the state.

You can naturally defend yourself against any claims, but w/ Title Insurance the Title Company becomes your "third party" defender.  

If it transforms into something else later then it will happen naturally.

We send people elsewhere if their problem involves real estate.Bigger Pockets is a valuable resource for many people, but because of its nature, it also has its own problems:Many people come to BP looking for "free and easy answers".

I'm naturally skeptical of real estate seminars and gurus "no money" investing schemes.  

Alot of times, if you are outside of an incorporated city, zoning pressures are less.Hooking up to electric (separate meters) as well as waste water (city or septic) and figuring out separate or one meter for water (sep bill or inclusive) is another issue as well as land features and leveling pads.Another aspect is maintenance.

If no natural gas, then is propane generally available?