The tourism demand is strong year-round, especially in beach towns like Panama City Beach or Destin.

I've done a lot of research on this topic as both an investor and as one who assists other investors in exploring this strategy.

You'll want to explore this with your accountant and see what side of the fence they are.What is more a concern to me is your plan to let the property sit for a couple of years and then move in. 

@Paola AstridRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

It might also be worth exploring creative financing to leverage that quarter million into even bigger opportunities. 

I haven't explored too many areas further south of Orlando yet like Kissimmee, Lake Nona, and other areas around there to really say.

House hacking might also be worth exploring—buying a duplex or small multi-family property, living in one unit, and renting out the others.

When I was 22 I had to move from my home town to Las Vegas in pursuit of HVAC trade school.

I’m curious - are you leaning toward staying local in Connecticut, or are you open to exploring oppurtunities in out-of-state markets like Phoenix?

Also, let me know if you’re ever exploring partnerships or raising funds for a deal—I believe in combining efforts to scale faster and smarter.”