While studying at Pace I have taken various classes detailing effective and efficient management theories and general business practices.

We are pretty much planning on a complete overhaul on the interior including kitchens and bathrooms along with a new roof (not anticipated) and windows to improve energy efficiency.

Assume that everything is run pretty efficiently.

So you have efficiency in spades.

This is consuming too much of my time and I am sure can be done more efficiently by someone I can pay $15.00 to $20.00 per hour if I had the right system.

Has anyone done any lease option deals here in Florida and are there title companies that are efficient with creative funding deals?

Most rentals aren't 100% energy efficient and aren't expected to be.  

My background is in green and energy efficient building projects.

For me, my #1 priority is to have financial independence, so hopefully real estate can help me achieve that goal faster, or more efficiently.

Now, you are in the early stages of a 5-year fixed - at 2.6%, at least you have a good rate - I would concentrate of operational efficiencies and building sufficient reserves to handle the inevitable vacancies and CAP Ex requirements.On your next purchase, you can build-in the buffer and pay a variable mortgage at the fixed-rate payment level.