Initial repairs, good one. When considering a purchase I'm always thinking of leaving enough money in my pocket to build a big garage or swimming pool. Initial repairs are probably mandatory.
We do rent a spot for a decent amount of time to get a feel for the culture while touring homes at the same time. But what happens is, 3-6 months in, same shit... the bad always outweighs the good. I haven't signed a 1-year lease since about 2014 I guess and even that one I bought myself out of. I really suck at sitting still.
You made the right call. No kids makes it easy to roam. But a mortgage these days is quite a bit less than rent. You're probably way in the green on equity.
I'm thinking speed up the process this next time. Just get by a beach like you said, our main want, be near a major university for medical is a necessity. So long as those are accomplished, order the got dang dogs so I can't leave.