We rent through "thevillages4rent.com" website. We bought in December, listed on the website and within eight hours of listing we had turned down 3 renters and accepted a fourth (to rent in Jan-Feb) because we didn't want to rent to anybody for less than 2 months. From January thru April do not rent to anybody for less than a month. It's too much of a hassle. (Peruse thevillages4rent website)
Two years ago renting was a piece of cake. As they build more homes that enter the renter market it's hard to say how things will be in the future. Historically, it was easy to get $10,000 or more for a villa for Jan thru April. (After April it gets spotty, rentals become weekly, and rents are lower.) You can do much better than that with a bigger home and effort. However, $12,500 per year should be obtainable with the website and a little effort. (Most rentals include utitilites, etc)
To save money we went with a Home Watch person. You should be able to get one for $45 - $50 per month. They check on the house regularly and report to owners. Turn off and on water, heat, and sprinkler. Give renters someone to call, if needed. Make sure renters are taking care of your house.
Village homes come with most of the things a vacationer would need. You probably need cable tv and internet service. Some renters disqualify you immediately if you don't have a golf cart, but many accept a reduced price. There are serious questions about golf cart insurance coverage. We don't offer a cart because I've worked all my life to get a home in the Villages and choose not to lose it through a golf cart mishap. Golf clubs, a grill, swim noodles, bicycles, are up to you and not deal breakers. Some might ask about a phone, but it's not worth the cost. You'll find someone.
Finding a home that is within a 5-8 minute golf cart ride to a square will greatly increase interest in your rental. Being close to a pool or other point of interest also helps.
Re: Villas - Every situation is different. We had a $500 mortgage and with all other expenses (home watch, amenities, utilities, lawn care, pest control, property tax, insurance) we got by with $17,000 total exp (mortgage and other)
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