re: Gulf Shores/Orange Beach condos - good or bad idea to buy?

I insure several condos in the area, and if you are buying newer construction (90's-now) and above the third floor, your insurance will be around $600/year for your personal belongings/liabilty/loss of rents or use/improvements/etc.

As for your fees and what not, I cannot help.
But, people purchase condos all the time.

I have a client that does not own a personal home but has two condos for rent. She makes back her mortgage/insurance/fees within three months of renting and uses the proceeds to purchase other condos.