Tampa area investment propertes

[Melanie Hartmann]

Our oldest will be headed to college in Tampa in the fall and we are considering buying a rental property that she and roommates can live in the next year and that we could hang on to for future renters and vacations for us.  We own 5 rentals in Texas and I am very comfortable knowing our market and tenant placement.

What I am wondering in Tampa is:  can we buy a nice property in the low $200's within 25 mins to UT campus, is the long term rental market strong in Tampa, do rental rates compared to purchase price make sense (ie, I don't want to buy a $200k house that only rents for $1100/month)?  

Love any input and any agents that know the investment and rental market in Tampa.  I am a Realtor and Property Manager in Texas but need a great agent that understands RE investing not just buying and selling RE.  Thanks Melanie