We live, and the property is located, in NJ, which based on my research is not a community property state.

They have been up-front and honest with me about a 1031 issue i had and even offered me alternatives / an out when timing got sideways. 

Based on the Insurance Market in FL now, you may want to check on both options.Those policies are designed to provide Property and Liability coverage together.  

Here are the basic steps I take to estimate a rehab at a high level for the purpose of making offers:1.

I'd keep contacting the Code Enforcement Office (based on the squeaky wheel gets the grease theory).

Additionally, investing in opportunity zones, often found in these areas, offers great tax benefits.

I am at the beginning of the process my offer was accepted 2 days ago and I just looked at the place today.

If you're open to short-term rentals, that could be one option.If you're looking more at long-term renters, you (or your realtor) can negotiate seller credits into the offer and use those credits to buy down your rate.

Owners mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact SAME SERVICES and PERFORM those services EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, so price is the only differentiator – so, they often select the first PMC they call or that calls them back!

Excited to learn if this could be a viable direction to explore and grateful for any advice or help anyone can offer for how to get started.