Florida Rentals - Walking distance to the ocean a must?

[Ryan Sargent]

Hey everyone! My lovely fiancé & I are preparing to buy our first home here in Southwest Florida. It will initially be our personal residence, but after 2.5-3 years will turn into a short-term rental property for us.  I was wondering from your guys’ experience, do rental properties not directly on the “beach” still do well?  or is it a must to be in walking distance to the ocean?  Thanks everyone!