I've been to many other parts of Florida but Tampa Bay and Clearwater specifically would be my top choice if I were to ever move to Florida :)

If I'm gunna make a neighbor mad, I might as well get my first choice of color (the green) with it, you know?  

So your choices are very limited to desperate "don't wanters" like tired landlord,  or a backer, who does have the credit, capital, and/or experience, who can get the deal done.

So my choices now are to find a stable place to work for 2 years, or look into other types of loans.

When we were looking in Anne Arundel and surrounding areas, we looked for over a year for a single family detached home before we just settled on a cheaper condo as it became the easiest choice with less risk.  

We discussed 2 choices w/ the seller:  Have the seller call the broker & insist our offer be submitted or 2 submit our offer direct to the seller. 

He just wants a guaranteed sale, about a year from now, with a closing date of his choice, so he an his wife can retire and move into their second home.It's a single family 3/1 that's been his (and his wife's) primary residence since 1995, well maintained, with some upgrades. 

There's no right or wrong answer, it's mostly about finding the choice you can live with.

My second choice would be summer 2017. 

Matter of fact, you can only invest in the choices provided by your employer's plan while you are still employed there.