Florida rental investing

[Jonathan Miller]

Hello Bigger Pockets community!

We live in Renton, WA, but have lots of family in the Tampa/Clearwater area and have been there many times. In 2018 we will be intensely focused on building a passive income portfolio in Florida. Areas we're currently considering are Tampa/Clearwater and Jacksonville.

We're looking to partner with local agents, wholesalers, lenders and property managment companies. Any great recommendations?

Primary focus at this point is SFRs up to a four-plex for a buy-and-hold. The eventual goal is to purchase 5+ unit MFRs.

Thanks!

~ Jonathan & Christine

[Jonathan Henley]

MLS listings will typically have a flood zone section. If you see Flood Zone: X then you know flood insurance will NOT be required. This is a good sign and is the first thing I look at when the property is close to the beach. I am always surprised by which properties do and do not qualify as being in a flood zone. When looking at wholesale or off-market deals from places like Craigslist I always ask right away if flood insurance is required. Frequently, very good-looking deals get much less rosey when you factor in this large (and highly variable) cost.