[Salty Springs]

Choca,
All of the above are valid points. That said I have had a vacation rental (Cocoa Beach Fl.) for 18 years and have done very well. I would move your search farther south (Florida) South of Daytona Beach. You will then get year around rentals. I manage it myself and use VRBO for most of my guests. I have had no damage at all over those years. Jan - Aug I am almost always full. Sept thru Dec is slower with a sprinkling of weekend rentals., but that is fine. That's when our family uses it most. Put a pencil to it and if you can get a positive cash flow go for it.
Dave