You will get there but dont let other people trying to sell these service stop or over complicate RE investing for you.

During screening of tenants, the applicants start claiming they have several service dogs.

First off, Thank you for your service, My daughter is in the military also, she makes me proud. 

Just go in to any small, community banks in your area that service their own loans and don't sell them on the secondary market. 

I’m still a newbie and have done some general research I just want to make sure I’m fully informed before testing the Florida market.

What service have you found to be most cost effective?

Im seeing very little in the way of cash flow properties but wanted to seewhat you all though about my inputs.Im making a few assumptions mainly looking at multifamily up to 4 units with 10% down (I know this is low but I've found banks that'll do that in my market for properties under 500k) then I account for maintenance/debt servicing from past experience (wondering if people have a better way that would take into account property age and condition for maintenance estimates), finally I set vacancy at 1 month a year (not sure if that is reasonable either). 

Having umbrella insurance or having an LLC for your property management services is a great business model to protect yourself.

You did make a good appointment that can effect the cost related to the age of the building.I just saw that the age of the building was included and I would see if there are any extra testing or repair costs associated with that age. 

Breadth of knowledge and expertise in all areas of real estate investing (buy & hold, fix & flip, as well as usual realty services).