What is driving the Florida market is simply it is too unaffordable for someone to buy a home here.I am based in Bradenton, FL (Manatee County).

So how do you go about it without driving real estate agents crazy.

For myself, I decided to look at markets within a 4-hour drive from Atlanta.

I'm a territory manager for a telecommunications company, and driving through the Newburgh NY I forsee a huge upside in this neighborhood.  

You can test out mid term or short term rentals on one or a few of the units to offset that, or you can accept that you're drastically lowering your living expenses and building equity. 

Phycologically, it should drive even more people back into the market, which is a good thing.

Also, listen to podcasts and when a guest mentions a book that inspired them, go buy it (I buy on Audible so I can listen while I walk my dog or drive). 

I wish I could take you out for a coffee/margarita and talk about your journey and pick up some tips but that may be a bit of a drive for either of us.

In my lease and my contract with owners, I do 2 interior inspections a year and 2 exterior  or "drive by".

We have been long term owners for many years and have recently decided to make the move to medium term on 1/2 of our duplex to test the market.