My background, lots of boats big and small, power and sail. Suggest you look for inland NC lake boat vs salt boat. Power should be Yamaha (1) or (2) Merc. Skip the rest, lower your risk and maintain your resale. You should also be willing to repower a boat with the right deal. Stay far far far away from junk, focus only on center consoles, do not be emotional which means "cute" is not part of the process honey, you can buy head at Home Depot w a handle for $5. Be cognizant about draft for skinny water and actually lay down in the boat. Typically smaller than you think. No seats, leaning post only, boat is too little, seats will beat you up and take up space. Ask what gas they use, pump gas w ethanol eats fuel and tank systems. If it wasn't for the Resturant scene, I would be suggesting you even consider a flats boat, your coastal fishing is awesome, can layout a little. For offshore, charter. $25k is not a lot of offshore come home boat, sorry. I would look for older Hydro Sport, Regulator, Mako, Whaler. BE PATIENT, the deal is out there, you just need to track it down. And, read up on maintenance and elbow grease. You can buff out a chalky boat and make it gleam, save a bunch. Good luck.
*Power should be Yamaha (1), or (2) Honda, or (3) Merc