@Alvin Sylvain I told the owner I wouldn't be able to make an offer until he settles things with code enforcement.

You can't trust other people for this - where you finally choose has to suit what YOU are looking for and you have to be comfortable with it.Once you have settled on an area, you will need to make MORE trips to develop personal relationships with locals.If you do all this, you will find people who are really helpful, and keen to see you succeed (and hear your funny accent!).

I'd suggest letting that settle before you make a purchase if your only interest in STR/vacation rental market. 

I wouldn't make any decisions right now till you let things settle out a bit including: branching out into other markets, retiring, moving to another country, etc.

Congratulations @Aditya Soma on not settling and chasing your dreams.

Thankfully, the dust from all that mess has settled.  

Like my bank will only give me 12 spec loans up front and for every pre sale they will give me another loan so if I want to build and sell 30 homes this year I can spec 12 but need to have at least 10 or more pre sold so i can keep my loans coming  .. this is why builders pre sale  its not a cash flow issue and not sure where they discount prices they may say its a discount but in reality its just what the market will pay at the time.but its the reverse folks going into contract are finding that 6 to 10 months later the house is worth more than they contracted for and some builders are not honoring the sale or have a wiggle out and are raising the price all of the former are happening .. now with rates changing you may see some more motivation by builders to settle in on pricing and preselling.

Still settling in here i guess.

Having a place to settle in, store my clothes, unpack once, stock the frig and cook a little is heavenly for month or longer project. 

I'm going to assume you would agree with that premise but, if you happen to not agree, would you be willing to have your brokerage fee held in escrow until the issue is settled and return them to the buyer should he lose the tax challenge?