@Madigan Tumilowicz,
Either location is a solid play for long term hold investing. I am only personally experienced in St Petersburg, but have several connections in Cape Coral that I speak with consistently.
One thing to look at in both locations:
St Petersburg: Prices have inflated to such intense rates right now. Inventory is very low and even non-investors know how much St Petersburg has exploded so rates are HIGH. (Though, I don't see much of a price deflation any time soon... if ever. No more room to build new homes in St Petersburg/Pinellas County unless leveling others).
Cape Coral: (again, no personal experience but going from my connections in that market) Be careful with the infrastructure and engineering of the neighborhoods. Cape Coral was never developed for large scale population, so now the local govt is desperately trying to alleviate issues caused with the mass migration to SW FL.
Tremendous upside in each area, so I believe you'll make a great investment once you decide!
Trust the numbers.
Jared