.- Insurability & Operations costs: Can be considerably lower (especially in comparison to CA) with most coastal regions there is much lower wildfire risk and the properties that are in flood zones, have surprisingly accessible and affordable policy costs.

Since it would be your “primary” residence one would be renting out, I would be surprised the bank/IRS would allow you to purchase a new “primary” home.  

As I hope to use the unit a bit myself, I also want to take into consideration the kind of community I'd like to use (which, conveniently, is also about to be primary parent demographic so I'm hopeful other millennials will be looking for similar things)FWIW, I'm happy to do reno on an individual unit, but was kinda underwhelmed by the community as a whole.I liked Champions Gate, but at my price point, I can't buy much that's appealing there.

Looking at the Citrona website, I see basic spelling mistakes, a lack of executive/owner bios, and no case studies showing the financials for some of your projects (which is surprising as one of the founders worked for 10 years at a financial services firm).

Trying to eliminate surprises.

Also, my taxes and insurance have gone up significantly which is no surprise to anyone who knows Florida. 

In a 1031 exchange I had to hammer both with  threats due to the agreement to cooperate and the constant surprises of new partners and unfilled liens with an approaching lapse of the 180 day limit. 

@Marc ShinMake sure to double whatever they tell you it will cost and take 2x as long and then have someone to come repair all the shoddy work that was done.Hopefully you have working bathrooms otherwise you may have some surprises hidden behind your walls

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

Are surprise, good year, buckeye good areas to buy pr should I stick to chandler,  Mesa, etc?