Need Market Advice for Florida for First Property

[Brent Warner]

I've been looking at buying my first property in Florida, and would like some advice / suggestions on markets to look out there. To start, I've been looking around Orlando Kissimmee area but would love to hear thoughts, and potential other cities that have a strong rental market. 

Some info on me, and what I'm looking for. Currently living in Jersey but my wife and I are wanting to move to Florida to keep cost of living lower and start growing investments. This will be my first property and the options I have to use are:

- VA home loan, use as my primary and then after about a year turn it into a rental.
- Investment 25% down, but this would probably cap me at about $250,000.

Wife and I are both ok with living in the property first or even house hacking if needed. I've been looking at markets across the US and Florida seemed great for us. Tax reasons, lower cost of living, wife is Brazilian and has friends already living in Orlando area, beaches and most cities are within a few hours drive. 

FYI I've seen a lot of mentions on the threads from Realtors and investors from Columbus OH, really promoting that city. At this time we're not considering it so I'd like to just keep it to FL and surrounding areas. 

Thanks! 

[Shawn McCormick]

@Brent Warner welcome to the forums!

Depending on what your overall budget is and how much you want to be involved in the house, there are many areas of Orlando that would be a good fit. You could get new construction with your VA loan and when you move on in a year or so, have a virtually brand new home that will be very little upkeep to maintain when you put tenants in there and typically, you will get higher rents in a newer construction home.

If you are handy and can do rehab/updates yourself, you might consider something that you could add value to. In this scenario, you have to make sure the house conforms to VA guidelines in regards to its condition when you purchase.

Happy to talk in more detail whenever you like, I've helped dozens of other B.P. members purchase homes here.

Best of luck and thank you for your service!