While it may be cheaper to rent an off-TV property, renting in TV gives you a day after day, full feel for what your new lifestyle will be.
I haven't really looked at year-round rental costs. Wifey and I have done the LPP but we also have subsequently stayed at properties found on two rental sites that may be of use to you. The sites are ****.com, then follow links until you get to the villages and also vacationrentals.com, then follow links until you get to the villages.
If renting in TV, you can so easily check out via golf carts, bikes, walks what mornings in one area, evenings in another area....shopping and whatever. You won't get that experience living a drive away.
I would consider any extra $$ and any inconvenience as an investment/research cost
