I am at the beginning stages of getting into multiunit properties in SWFL.

For now I am in the accumulation stage but I'm being very careful with my next steps especially in this market.

How about staging the outdoor/patio area with inexpensive indoor furniture from Ikea and spraying then, so, that they'll repel water? 

Then try to arrange a mentor relationship with exchange for IT help.

Probably your tax assessor will get involved in the later stages. 

Repeat this process several times.After you have a bit of a track record approach others with potential partnership arrangements.

If not either move to that area for as long as you can arrange.  

If the commercial client is on a gross or other arrangement where you are carrying the maintenance, then 9K is probable a little low.Depending on the rooming house, the management may be low (as you indicated)The electric and water bills seem high ... is the landlord carrying all utilities?

Because if you utilize YOUR Lender, all the risk from then on is being taken by YOU until your gym buddy makes good on his supposed ability to do a "proper" Loan at some stage (as far as I know)!...

And that decision is to NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH AN INVESTOR THAT TAKES NO TIME TO UNDERSTAND THEM.BEGIN WITH A THOROUGH EXAMINATIONJust as a medical professional would never think of treating you without following these three steps in order, you as a doctor of selling, would never allow a Seller to force you to sell without you going through your three stages as well.