Per his lease (and common sense), he should cover the cost of repairs to my unit and the unit below, but I have a lot of questions that hopefully the veterans here could help with...1) Does my homeowners insurance need to be involved at all?

Hi Alfredo,Flood insurance in Florida can be tough, especially for investment properties, but there are options:NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) – This is a common choice and does cover rentals, though it has limits.Private flood insurance – Companies like Neptune Flood, TypTap, and Wright Flood often provide good alternatives with more flexible coverage.Independent insurance agents – They can shop around and find the best option for your specific property.It’s worth getting quotes from both NFIP and private insurers to compare.

I’m looking for smaller properties around 600-1000sqf, preferably 2bed/1bath which is common for the area.I can put down 20-30% down payment.

Regarding getting PMC insurance, you've made a common mistake.

It is a home, and a common thing many people encounter as ant populations come & go with the seasons & how well the people living their treat the exterior of the property.

Surrounding yourself with experienced investors will definitely help you grow faster and avoid common pitfalls.

Smart locks are becoming more common in rentals, especially short-term and multifamily units.Pros:No need to rekey between tenantsCan grant/revoke access remotely (great for maintenance or showings)Access logs for added securityTenants like the convenienceCons:Dependence on batteries or Wi-Fi—can fail if not maintainedSome tenants may be uncomfortable with perceived privacy concernsHigher upfront cost and potential for tech support issuesIf the system fails, physical access could be a problemFor long-term rentals, a keypad lock with manual override might be a better balance—still allows for code changes without rekeying, but avoids some of the tech pitfalls of smart locks tied to Wi-Fi or apps.Whatever you choose, just make sure there's a backup access method and clear communication with tenants about how it's managed.

., have the STR treated as a non-passive business activity).The most common test STR investors use is the 100-hour test (Test #2):→ You must spend at least 100 hours on the property and more time than anyone else, including a property manager, co-host, or cleaner.So, if a PM or co-host is logging more hours than you, you may lose eligibility.

Replace it with the correct size refer to the existing filter for specifications or bring it with you to the store- Test the System: Run your A/C before the first heat wave hits to catch any issues earlyTroubleshooting Common Issues- System Won’t Turn On: Try resetting the circuit breaker and any GFCI outlets before assuming the unit is faulty- Blowing Warm Air: This could indicate low refrigerant (Freon) levels, though remember the 20-degree cooling limit when evaluating performanceReport Issues PromptlyIf you experience any problems, notify your property management team as soon as possible.

They typically require 20%–30% equity, proof of Canadian citizenship or residency status, and documentation of your assets.In terms of traditional U.S. lenders, some institutions do offer HELOCs on rental or investment properties, although it’s less common than for primary residences.