But my broker has been in the game on the commercial side for 15-20 years now and could point you in the right direction.

Another option would be to do a letter writing campaign or otherwise approach owners about seller financing , where the seller carries the mortgage loan, so they might overlook your lack of income if your parents are game to co-sign. 

If employers search online before hiring someone, landlords should absolutely search before renting to someone too. 

Not that location *necessarily* matters, but would it help to take some online real estate inspection courses for Florida (if they exist) to make sure I know what to look for when making purchases down there?

I am a pretty new to the real estate game and decided to start with bigger deals for bigger returns.

Debating the stock market vs real estate is a what if game.     

@Joett Ocasio I know that's the name of the game in Cali no matter where you go in that state its super expensive!

ok i was just wondering as a first time home buyer would this be a big mistake going online and using websites like Trulia zillow etc to look for my house and just contact that listing agent and set up a meeting to look at the house and if i like just buy it at the listing price? 

Looking around online it seems other condos in the area are renting for $1300-$1400 a month.

@Brendan Hallissey, Yep that's exactly the game plan for a bunch of folk!