I went to UB as well and am now an agent/investor/property manager here. 

Hi Christian, Having been in the Tampa real estate game as a broker, wholesaler, and property manager for two decades, you’ve got a solid grip on the market's pulse.

In Brandon Turner's book "The Book on Managing Rental Properties" he talks about accepting the initial deposit as a deposit to hold the unit and has verbiage that the "deposit to hold" will automatically convert to the security deposit upon move-in.I'm working my way through the book now, so it's fresh in my head.  

Is there any experience or insight from others who have dealt with a similar situation of managing a fire-damaged rental property from a distance?

@Jennifer Rivera , we manage in Coolidge, Casa Grande, and Arizona City.

I had a property manager who was of no help and I am seeking advice.

The properties that I’ve managed that have had 90 day restrictions took awhile to rent.

The neighbor who is attached is the one and only eye sore on the block. 

I send out direct mail to probate properties so my list is manageable in the range 500 to 800. 

Most of the time in a larger title company the management has a great person that may answer any of your questions to get your business.