Take a look at how far in advance people book for high season so you don't miss any lucrative bookings. 

I highly doubt they were a scam.

If so, I would highly recommend attending local meetups.

IMO - 9.5 is way too high to take seriously as a buyer. 

Expenses do not included management fee as it is self managed but other then that not so low. it is the rents that are relatively high.

To help in your search:be sure to find an accountant who is willing to grow with you, and is not too high priced fee-wise.

That being said, like most things with being a landlord, if you are a decent person treat your tenants like people, remain communicative and respectful, make necessary repairs, it is highly unlikely you will ever get sued or anyone will ever question if you did everything by the book.  

Plant City we are working with an owner with a 2 acre parcel to get approvals for a 10-20 unit depending on the density we can get approved with zoning or planned development.

See the table below which compares what is on an MLS data sheet and what an investor needs to evaluate a property.Below is a high-level summary of the tasks an investor needs to accomplish.

RENT HIGH in newly refurbished in and out.