The other thing is can you make them more desirable then the others in the town?

We specialize in providing turnkey assets in desirable areas where we can attract great tenants and returns for our investors. 

You can hire the handyman as an employee and he can do any task you desire, but you are responsible for the work and owner builder work may require disclosure at selling.My recommendation is to use a GC on your first significant project. 

Bruckman,I'd recommend the following:Be very clear about your goals and unique value proposition.

It's about relationships and understanding the motives of the owner and tying into catalysts that trigger their desire to talk to you.

With a couple modifications, I believe the exterior would looks just like a standard duplex; however, the inside would be a pretty unique rental with open concept and high ceilings (10 ft).

You may want to ultimately expand your search a bit outside of Tampa to other desirable areas of Florida that are more up and coming.

You can usually borrow up to a combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of 85 percent, meaning the sum of your mortgage and your desired loan can make up no more than 85 percent of your home’s value.

You are right that leverage is not unique to life insurance.

All that being said, some find rental agreements ending in harsh winter months the best because it tends to keep tenants from moving when the weather is less desirable.