Considering buying in Tampa, Florida

[Michele V.]

Happy Sunday everyone,

I've just closed on my deal in Davie and am working hard on getting the rehab started so that I can get it rented soon.  

I'm wondering whether my next purchase should be in Tampa.  It seems that I can get more house for a little less.  My objective is to buy and hold for the next 10 - 15 years (my timeline is short).  For this reason I'm wondering whether it might be a better idea to look to Tampa instead of investing in Davie again.  What do you think?  That's my first question.  I'd also appreciate any insights on the following:

* for those who have invested in properties that are out of town or out of state, what challenges did you experience that you perhaps did not expect?  (Understanding that managing the place yourself is arguably the best way to do it, how much of a headache is it when you live far from your investment property and your job keeps you close to home such that you can't personally ensure that the property management company is managing the place well?)

* which areas in Tampa offer stable rental income? (I'd be looking for a place in a decent working class neighborhood where I can rent to responsible grad students, or middle class professionals.)

* are there any areas in Tampa where growth is anticipated? (e.g. I looked at Davie for the place I just closed on in part b/c I know the campus of Nova Southeastern University is preparing to build a hospital soon.)  Also, please let me know of any websites where I can research this if you know of any.  Thanks. 

* if I decide to go this route, I would need a realtor who 1) knows Tampa well, 2) who works with investors, 3) has lots of hustle and is responsive, but also has a HIGH level of integrity, 4) who listens well and doesn't waste their client's time showing them properties they know are higher than the client's price range, AND 5) has patience to walk a client through a deal where the client has an extremely demanding job. These would be important criteria..  any pointers would be appreciated.

thanks so much everyone.  have a great day!!