want to spend about 5 days in ft myers and another 5 days in the tampa or sarasota area in late february or early march of 07.
2 adults on a budget! know of any good but cheap places to stay - don't need luxury, but a pool would be nice - going down there to look around , possible to relocate in the near future - check out real estate, how the different areas rate as to living there year round. any tips on good affordable accommodations would be appreciated, thanks!

I've had great luck with this site in Ft. Lauderdale.

http://www.vrbo.com

you won't have much luck finding apartment rentals on VRBO in Ft. Myers for less than a week in Feb or March! And if you could they wouldn't fit "budget" description.

I'd go to Hotels.com and look for what they show, but probably book direct. Your cheapest bets in Ft. Myers will be the ones near I-75, Daniels, or Colonial.

Tre, I didn't think it could be done, but you did it: use "budget" "cheap" and "affordable" in the same sentenance as Sarasota. As for relocation, you may find Tampa-which has much more to do- to be way more affordable than Sarasota. (the beach, Gulf of Mexico, is the same).

Good one tampatramp, but it could have been worse. I've seen people use those words in posts about Naples!

Well here is a beautiful house on the beach for just over $100 a night. I do call that budget. Especially if you are saving money on food by cooking your own breakfast and lunch. I have had great luck with vrbo and people not renting a full week. If they have a hole in their calendar, they are willing to fill it. It is at least worth sending out some inquiries to see what is available. Last year we had a 3 bedroom brand new condo a block off Deerfield Beach at Christmas for $150 a night total.

http://www.vrbo.com/76147

Have a great time in Florida!

Well, that place does look nice (although not ON the beach as you said), but if my math is right $790 for the week plus $75 for cleaning comes out to $173 per night for someone staying 5 days, plus taxes which is closer to $190 a night -- unless you can swing a deal.
But sure, it's worth a try to see if it is available.