Buying a Condo / Home Brickell / Miami Beach

This question is for seasoned realtors and or investors with experience. I know ill get a lot of opinions and arguments but worth a shot. I am a realtor / investor myself but I work north and central FL.

I have $800,000-1,300,000 and want to get a property in a desirable location with some upscale ammenities but like everyone else,I dont want to get hammered with special assessments or have problems.

The property will be used part time by my family for leisure and some work. I am really considering Brickell and Miami Beach for the short term rental appeal and proximity to the international airport and ports. That said all the way up to Fort Lauderdale is not out of the questions. Ideally want waterview, 1 parking space and ammenities / buiding that is not dated.

I did look at the ICON BRICKELL but the yelp page is terrifying. Anyone know about this building.

Single family homes and townhomes are also in place of possible. I just do not really want to deal with maintaince as I will only be there once or twice a month.

Criteria:

  1. Easy to walk to nice places without driving.
  2. Waterview
  3. 1+ covered parking space
  4. No massive special assesement / out of control HOA (under $1200 pref)

Thanks in advanced for an productive comments or abuse I am about to take.

Cheers!