So you and your wife love Destin? Of course you do, who doesn’t? BUT...and you’re not going to want to hear this...working for UA and flying out of VPS will not be easy! For DL pilots sure, but not us. You’re looking at a 2 leg commute to reserve. With the first leg on an RJ! Connecting out of IAH to another hub (as with most hub to hub flts) will also be a stressful process. Flts are routinely full. IAH based, of course, would be ideal and you could score a base trade in your first year, as others have. Question, have you read up about life on reserve at UA? What you’re asking for will be an extended period of time on reserve.
Obviously you’re a mil dude. If you have a reserve job then you’re anchored. But if you’re retired...QOL may dictate a move. Your first year will not be easy, don’t get caught out of position!
Visiting the beach works for us.