FHB Help - Gold Coast

Hi everyone, we are FHB and have finally saved up a deposit for a property and currently looking on the GC. But it's so disheartening seeing how expensive it is plus the demand at every open home!

Weighing up options.... Would it be better to buy a tiny 2 bed unit closer to the water or a larger townhouse further north or west?

Also are there any best sites to see property valuations? Our offers never seem to be good enough.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated :)