Hi There, I'm looking to buy a investment home/condo in Florida.
Initially, this was around Disney, but on/near the beach in/around
Melbourne is also maybe more what I'm after. I fly in to Orlando on
Friday to look at what's available. I know that around Disney it's
frantic, and homes are gone in a day.

What I'm after is what sort of rent can one expect for say a 3Br 2
Bathroom home in good condition. Can you believe the Real Estate hype
etc. Also, in the Melbourne district is that a good bet being close to
the beach?

I'm from the UK, but I also used to work in San Diego so I'm US savy
and have all my finance/bank etc., so all I nned is some contacts that
are truthful and I can get good advice from.

The reason for the purchase is both investment, and lifestyle wrt to holidays etc.

You may want to try calling HB Development LLC.  They specialize in
the reconditioning and selling of homes in the central Florida area. 
Their phone # is (321) 559-1033.

Also, if you go to the MLS Realtor website < http://www.realtor.com >
and look up investment properties that are for sale, they will often
list the current rent that each unit is getting. I believe that this
information has to be accurate and up-to-date. This will at least give
you some idea of what the going rates are. The website will allow you
to search by city, so you could enter Orlando and other surrounding
cities and see what comes up.

Good luck,
smudgy.

I've lived there.

"Acceptable rent" to renters for this type of property are dependent upon:

Amenities (pool, golf, clubhouse, etc.)
Location (residential area, waterfront, view, etc.)
Square footage (1500-1800 sq feet for 3 BR 2 BA)
Quality 
 - Tile floors or carpet? (Tile is better in FL)
 - Roman tub or standard? (Roman is better in fl. Separate walk in
shower even better)
 - Closet space (Large master closets. Double 2nd BR and guest room closets.)
 - Number of windows (more than 2 per room, and large sliding doors
onto lanais and balconies)
 - Quality of kitchen and bath cabinetry (new GE or better appliances,
premium paid for stainless steel and for gourmet stoves and/or granite
counters.) All kitchens in FL are expected to have
refridgerator/freezer, stove/oven, double bowl sink, garbage disposal,
stove hood, at a minimum.
 - Quality of windows
 - Ceiling heighth
 - Fixtures

In general, for a first floor about $1200 a month and for a second
floor with cathedral ceilings, $1500 a month assuming all above
criteria is met.

For a detached villa (looks like a condo inside, but has 4 outside
walls) about $1500 to $1800 a month.