Hey Allen, welcome, I am both an investor (mainly LTR) and realtor so I can give you a couple of tips if needed, especially within the Broward area.

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?

Real estate is a very forgiving industry in the long run (usually).

As a fellow newbie, I have gathered from my "gurus" that you need to focus on your skills rather than capital.

Quite often I see the seller requiring some type of downpayment, with interest only payments (usually higher than market rates) for X years, with a balloon payment due at the end of the term. 

Usually helocs are adjustable rates, so the rate will come down as the interest rates go down.  

If you buy locally, will your expenses be higher than if you were renting?

I have been looking at the prices vacant lots sell for in a couple of semi-rural counties.

Much more than that in property equity.

It took a couple of days of back and forth to enable.