Florida - New Build (to Rent as a STR/LTR) vs. standard purchase

[Kevin Mercado]

Hi All - looking for investor-oriented (bonus if you've took this path yourself) people to chime in and hopefully connect with on their thoughts on the following:

1. FL Market in General (FL is huge / Northeast vs. south or Central) areas for relative value. Of course people have biases but thats where "numbers" come into play - big emphasis in future trends. If anyone can share some #s on the different areas for STR or even LTR on why it a great choice (the thing in FL is I know there are many "good options" which makes it hard to choose)

I am also aware that so many county's / city's have their own restrictions and rules so I think working with someone that has experience/ have their own STRs would be key in navigating this (part of the "value" ie.) less hassle in certain areas vs others with HOA fees and other rules/restrictions).

2. Approach - if I wanted to do a STR vs LTR - there are a couple of ways I was thinking but I'm interested in exploring new builds, and renting it out as a STR/LTR. My initial purpose was to find something that can double as a vacation home since I am from out of Country, so preferably was looking at SFH with a Private pool - 3Bd/2Ba type of property - though I've been reading several opinions on going new build route vs. buying an existing property. Would anyone that has went down this path provide some insight / builder / company to recommend - I saw a couple of CO's that offer but pending some questions with them on whether the builds they're doing require me to take up property management as well once its done, and whether the builds can get a pool added as it wasnt part of the "product" brochures.

I know this will be a juicy topic - so if anyone can chime in or better yet provide a better "option". Also thankful for those that I've had the opportunity to connect with recently (the BP community has been great - wishing everyone a safe and happy holidays!)