Permitting is painfully slow, even with long cultivated relationships with the county.

Then do a thorough research on tenant applicants (note: leaving this to a PM may be hazardous to your financial health) and choose the one that is most “stable” with the best potential for long term tenancy.This advice is contrary to maximization of rental income, but IMO will reduce expenses of tenant turnover, property damage, property management fees so much that the difference in bottom line income will be quite small.  

Quote from @Colby Burns: Long time reader and first time poster.

How long did it take to go full time?

It's not difficult (shouldn't take long) to get flood insurance quotes (NFIP & private) if you work with a good agent.

My biggest aim is to ensure that my long-term success aligns with whoever I invest with's long-term success instead of making their money on the upfront sale and leaving me on my own. 

Then being aware of the complexity of structuring the property correctly for long-term goals is important.

Hold for Long-Term IncomeBuffett has held AMEX for nearly 60 yearsHeld Coca-Cola for 35+ yearsSimilar to buy-and-hold real estate strategiesFocus on Cash Flow GrowthBoth AMEX and Coke have consistently increased dividendsJust like raising rents over time in quality propertiesLook for MoatsAMEX: Strong brand and network effectsCoca-Cola: Unbeatable brand powerLike owning property in irreplaceable locations💡 The Real Estate AdvantageWhile Buffett mastered dividend investing, real estate investors can do even better because:We can use significant leverage safelyWe control our asset's improvementWe get superior tax advantagesWe can force appreciation through improvementsWhat do you think, BiggerPockets community?

I do generally agree with the sentiment of Austin and the other hosts that fundamentals will always win out in the long run, and this by nature is a long term industry, even the sales side I'm learning.  

Keep an eye out for stuff like that.If none of that works, you’re probably in it for the long haul until they leave on their own.