Lots of different ways to make money in RE. 

When you can sell a 43608 and buy 75% of a 43612 with 75% of the income but enjoy a higher class of residents with double the rental demand it's a solid strategy.I wouldn't say 43608 (or 43605 / 43609 and a few others) doesn't make money...it's that your portfolio of ten properties runs about a 40% chance of any property being rented for 8 months, requires an eviction and full rehab (the bane of realized income).

After a long absence BP due to health issues I am dipping my toes in the hard money lending business again.

If you have people in Florida that you trust with your money and have proven themselves to you, that's what matters most.

Keeping a tenant that long usually results in losing a lot of money and dealing with difficult situations that you wouldn't have with newer renters.Stop talking to them in person.

If it's the latter, you're really, really effective at telling people what they want to hear to move money from their pockets to yours.

It's great to have you here.Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...Check out BP Money Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/..Wishing you the best

On day one they just chanted about how much money you can make and had hard money lenders pitching loans to us.

And planning to take rent via cashier check/money order. 

If they do not qualify for conventional loans most private money are business purpose loans and require you to put it into an LLC