Find a strong market / great realtor along Florida's Nature Coast

[Franklin Fletcher]

I'm spending a few months along the west coast of Florida this winter, north of Tampa, and plan to look at single family houses, as well as small multi-family properties.  Can anyone advise as to the health of the rental market(s), as well as recommend a great investor-knowledgeable realtor?  I know it is a large area I'm asking about and I'm open to suggestion, e.g. Gainesville, perhaps?  Or maybe Tampa, Lakeland or Ocala?  I'd prefer to be far enough inland to have a buffer against hurricanes.  But, if you have personal experience in any of these areas, I'd love to hear about it and maybe talk.  I have cash to invest and just want to find some good solid buy-and-hold properties.  Thanks in advance.  

[Mary K.]

I agree with Marelyn. The Villages is growing so fast and may be good for rentals. I have not looked into buying there yet.  I like the economic growth Ocala is seeing and I also think it will attract more people looking for hurricane safe / sea level rise safe havens.