buying property in Las Vegas, Pheonix Arizona, Flordia

Can anyone answer this.
I am intersted in purchasing property in the USA, I am a Canadian resident. What are the tax laws and implications for using the property (vacation home) in the following ways:

1. I would use it as personal vacation using it no more than 183 days.
2. Decide to rent it out while I am not using it for personal.
3. When I sell it.
4. Can I do maintenance and up keep myself.

What are the better neighbourhoods in those areas
Thanks