First, I have demonstrated that I have made great choices with the purchase of my primary residence as it has increased in value nearly $100k in the 5 years I have owned it.

Not to mention the little choices when doing a flip, such as "should we do it the RIGHT way or the OK way?".

@Sonya A.Good choice!

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 :)

The safest way to keep yourself out of trouble is to use State certified contracts from a Realtor. 

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.