Step 1— Read everything here that is relevant to your situation https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/property-managementStep 2 — List your property on Zillow, Apartments.com and Facebook Marketplace — that will give you exposure to 80%+ of the rental market Step 3 — Keep taking action on the scary things—they're not as scary as you thinkGood luck!

Is there any benefit to that?

Sure as hell beats paying $40k to an actor fronting for a real estate marketing company operating out of Las Vegas or Salt Lake City and providing guidance by a failed salesman reading answers from a script.  

I’m thinking rental but market is rough in Florida.

Future sale price is set, regardless of market.

Looking for insight into market conditions and any concerns for purchasing in Seattle.

Hello, I am new to real estate investing and I have a tentative verbal deal on a pre-market lake property that I would eventually like to make my retirement home (10 years or so).

Yes, it would be good if the seller communicated any issues earlier because then they could be handled/negotiated earlier if needed, but for the buyer there should be no risk to their EMD at least the way we would typically write a contract in my market. 

You will see less of a benefit to extending that penalty beyond that, and if rates drop before then you would be forced to pay that penalty to get a lower rate. 

On the other hand, welcome to the housing market in 2024!