I wanted to live by the beach, and worked hard to save the money to buy a place of my own. 

We have a "condotel" on St Pete Beach in Florida.

Unless you're on the beach, i'd avoid the flip flops and board shorts, but Also I think most people get defenisve or put off by suits when they are knocking on someones door, so Business Casual, collard shirt if that is something you'd wear or a Clean- Non Graphic T (unless you had your own made), clean cut dark denim jeans -- and some clean shoes. 

Account Closed I like 72 Park in North Beach.

Also thinking Myrtle Beach and 30A?

Anything east of the St John’s river to the beaches is generally a more A-B area.

In FL that means a pool (unless you are a quick walk to beach), barbecue, nice outdoor area, etc. 

Doing by zip code won't work unless you're looking at beach zips!  

Reminds me of Austin a bit with all the live music, breweries, art shows, restaurants, downtown area (of course beach area too), amazing new Pier, etc.  

I was originally looking at Indian rocks beach but have extended my search to Seminole (both zoned for STR).