@Justin WrenAs the above posters have suggested, I would consider contacting a CPA who regularly contributes on BP.

I have a question for you appraisers out there. I'm working on putting together a deal where I build a new single family home and sell it. Right now, it seems very cost effective and profitable to do this using a pre-...

The regular big ones are easy.

:-)  If you go through with this, make sure the Escrow Company REGULARLY provides you with insurance updates to assure your collateral is protected.  

I am looking at acquiring a package deal of a few properties with the use of seller financing for 3 years with a balloon payment at the end of 3 years.I am relatively new to the investment business and I have only ever gotten regular conventional mortgages before.

I only ask because in general, a regular rental is going to be much easier and more 'predictable' venture from a real estate investing perspective.  

So the more of that you can do while you have your regular job, the better.

Don't accept any tenants who won't be quiet, regularly-paying long-term renters.

I have regular engagements that bring me down to Plantation.

Fees for unpermitted work are hefty (twice the regular permit fee), and the enforcement division is definitely out and about, and they will definitely make you rip out any unpermitted work if you get caught, so consider the risk by all means.