In OH, you need to qualify with the particular county to buy, and most need a minimum purchase amount to buy in bulk. 

However city is imposing a good amount ofimpact fees based on the bedroom count - which accounts to close to $40 k , which i cannot afford- Ibought the house for myself to reside and cannot afford to pay this.We verified with city prior to buying and theyconfirmed it is residential zoned , however never mentioned about any impactfees.It is residential zone - MLS shows it as 3 bedroom 2baths - it had a extra unit  in the back and also a inbuilt rolling bed on 1st floor for the main I am stuck here- they are asking to prove it was usedas a residential -ever - any guidance would be appreciated on this.

You should consider learning about house hacking, BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat) and group home investing, I feel.

Hi, I'm interested in buying properties outside of my area (South Florida). 

I'm also looking heavily into Laporte, I feel buy and holds in Duneland and rehabs in Laporte are my focus right now.

I decided to buy the house in my name to qualify for a homestead exemption.

Mainly looking to add to rentals and wholesale ones that don't fit buy box. 

Is now a good time to buy or refi?​

I am debating if I should buy a decently priced home in Florida using a mortgage, rent it out as soon as possible, and have a tenant(s) pay down my mortgage until I am ready to move in and have the mortgage either paid down or nearly paid down.

Not quite on the level of SBF or Madoff buy up there for our industry.