So, you are in love with Tampa/St Pete area, but cannot afford to be a property owner.
I am not impressed. I could not afford to buy down there either, though I could get the loan. Getting loan (as we saw during the crash of 08/09 doesn't mean much, except a bank will make money for a little while, even if prospect being able to keep making payment is low, then the bank gets the property. We vacation in Florida, leasing beach homes. Nice place to visit, but for us, it's similar to Hawaii, one needing to bring lots of short term money and now planning to stay long. It does not sound like you are the type of resident, they are trying to attract. If you still or ever did have anything useful to offer, in the way of skills, education, abilities, training or talents, perhaps you should consider some other part of the country. Not everyone can afford Tampa/St Pete area. That is just the way it is.