Hi @Darius Lemon, If you have to ask if you need a mentor, you likely do, but I would certainly avoid "gurus" that have a lot of sizzle with no steak.

Windsor Hills is one of the oldest communities, and closest to Disney, but has some of the more dated amenities.

It's our closest version of a REAA in the area!

I did go as far as getting a kit to do it all myself and while having help to do so, it just still boiled down to what I think will work best for me in getting advise from those closest to me (ie CPA, Attorney).

A couple things..Windsor Hills is about the closest resort community there is outside of Disney property and has a fantastic following of loyal guests that have been coming for years.

It seems like a safe bet to me considering that it is the closest beach to Orlando and the largest cruise port in Cape Canaveral along with world-class attractions but would love to hear other people's experience and/or knowledge, so we can make a more informed decision

Most appraisers use "Closest in proximity & Closest in sale date" which usually offers a lower value.

And since you’re searching for your first brokerage, reviews from fellow real estate agents are the closest you can get.

Although I would make sure that you buy something within quick distance to said attractions in an area with some character and not in some boring subdivision 10-15+ minutes away where the closest sit down restaurant is an Applebees. 

Also, as most of the auctions happens at the county courthouse, I would attend one (check the closest county from your home having a sale in March) to see how it goes (and start to understand the process and legal terms).