How much do I need in St. Petersburg, Tampa, or Orlando?

[Teho Kim]

I'm an out of state (soon to be out of country in fact) beginner investor interested in Florida. In particular, I am interested in St. Petersburg, Tampa, or Orlando, but would also be interested in any of the surrounding area. I leave the country in September and it is my goal to save up and buy a property through a conventional 20% down payment loan before I leave.

This may be a general question that'll be met with alot of "it depends." How much do I need in order to invest in any one of these areas? I think I can manage to save $20,000-$25,000 but I fear this may be too little. 

Thanks for those who can provide some insight.